tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56937155201840149022024-03-13T09:23:12.257-04:00GrapeSugarSugary, Savory, SublimeGrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-87202834417334359692011-07-25T22:39:00.001-04:002011-07-26T14:14:40.072-04:00Pineapple Sage Iced Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mltXyWVQjz4/Ti4TkCWVqxI/AAAAAAAABBA/7NbBiDRN7ls/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mltXyWVQjz4/Ti4TkCWVqxI/AAAAAAAABBA/7NbBiDRN7ls/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Pineapple sage grows quickly and soon was the dominant plant growing straight up the middle of my herb pot....what to do with all of this sage?! Summer in Boston, and a house without central AC does not exactly lend itself well to something like a roast chicken with pineapple sage....so I soon found <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/pineapple-sage-tea-hot-or-iced-386388">Rita's recipe</a> for Pineapple Sage Iced Tea! Perfect!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5eMF46yI5U/Ti4YU7b5XtI/AAAAAAAABCM/TezhwJT_lnQ/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5eMF46yI5U/Ti4YU7b5XtI/AAAAAAAABCM/TezhwJT_lnQ/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a single batch of this tea, and it was gone within the afternoon! I doubled the recipe and it came out great. I'm posting the single batch recipe here. I've also made this with lemon and with lime, both taste great, so use what you have on hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Pineapple Sage Iced Tea</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup packed pineapple sage leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 cup honey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 lemon or lime</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 pineapple juice (freeze into ice cubes - optional. Also optional, the mini ice cube tray below, but c'mon how cute is it?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 qt. boiling water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7a7SXP6KFk8/Ti4nWcBUg2I/AAAAAAAABGA/Je2rk_qQfgU/s1600/IMG_0797_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7a7SXP6KFk8/Ti4nWcBUg2I/AAAAAAAABGA/Je2rk_qQfgU/s320/IMG_0797_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Start by boiling 1 qt. of water. While waiting for the water to boil, firmly pack the sage leaves into 1/2 cup (note that I haven't yet filled or packed the 1/2 cup in the picture below).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNpPGEJB128/Ti4dD1L3RSI/AAAAAAAABEY/8KEgVf8o8j4/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNpPGEJB128/Ti4dD1L3RSI/AAAAAAAABEY/8KEgVf8o8j4/s320/IMG_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Juice 1 lemon or lime ( Oh how I love my mini juicer from <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2011/06/brimfield-antique-fairmay-2011.html">Brimfield!</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2om5GdupWEA/Ti4fAg_sbaI/AAAAAAAABEw/HyrWsXqe7ak/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2om5GdupWEA/Ti4fAg_sbaI/AAAAAAAABEw/HyrWsXqe7ak/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large saucepan, combine the pineapple sage leaves, honey, and juice (more or less to taste) from 1 lemon or lime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGWaYWYsnbo/Ti4fJnZfpmI/AAAAAAAABFY/gfPlm2BaPzc/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGWaYWYsnbo/Ti4fJnZfpmI/AAAAAAAABFY/gfPlm2BaPzc/s320/IMG_0810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Pour the boiling water in the saucepan and let steep for 20 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whO8vPpZ4h0/Ti4fKbEsZMI/AAAAAAAABFc/Cqg5QQZ8OxM/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whO8vPpZ4h0/Ti4fKbEsZMI/AAAAAAAABFc/Cqg5QQZ8OxM/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After 20 minutes, the leaves are wilted and the tea is a nice, light, golden color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0x9O0T_3Bo/Ti4fML54K_I/AAAAAAAABFk/0mfiDHEyjAc/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0x9O0T_3Bo/Ti4fML54K_I/AAAAAAAABFk/0mfiDHEyjAc/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWj48dLVqGc/Ti4fMwMul-I/AAAAAAAABFo/e-ORxzpYPmI/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWj48dLVqGc/Ti4fMwMul-I/AAAAAAAABFo/e-ORxzpYPmI/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(If you're making this as a hot tea, strain out the leaves at this point, and you may want to reboil the tea to get it nice and hot)</div><div style="text-align: center;">For iced tea, strain your tea right into a big pitcher!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50bnWQufYVQ/Ti4fLfpqeUI/AAAAAAAABFg/hzUMipqutZ0/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50bnWQufYVQ/Ti4fLfpqeUI/AAAAAAAABFg/hzUMipqutZ0/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AntOqXwf38E/Ti4fOjFjBgI/AAAAAAAABFw/VNg_6UyTp78/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AntOqXwf38E/Ti4fOjFjBgI/AAAAAAAABFw/VNg_6UyTp78/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4h0_GvDsBbY/Ti4fPusWt4I/AAAAAAAABF0/s0SkURO9aBc/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4h0_GvDsBbY/Ti4fPusWt4I/AAAAAAAABF0/s0SkURO9aBc/s320/IMG_0817.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Serve with pineapple ice cubes, a sprig of mint, and you are ready to be refreshed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6Wu9c_O83Y/Ti4lFFvdTNI/AAAAAAAABF4/wCE4JkVLSws/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6Wu9c_O83Y/Ti4lFFvdTNI/AAAAAAAABF4/wCE4JkVLSws/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-3831440948315611862011-06-13T23:12:00.000-04:002011-06-13T23:12:13.396-04:00Brimfield Antique Fair...May 2011<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3x7joli7Xk/TfbEr3mhXnI/AAAAAAAAA-A/GiuMRckr-rA/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3x7joli7Xk/TfbEr3mhXnI/AAAAAAAAA-A/GiuMRckr-rA/s320/IMG_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm trying to catch up on all of the adventures and pictures over the last couple of months, and I am excited to share my finds from my third trip to Brimfield. It is seriously an <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/05/brimfield-antique-fair.html">addicting</a> <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/09/brimfield-antique-fairseptember-2010.html">adventure</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2ULX9TW1NU/TfbFBH42jEI/AAAAAAAAA-k/kmrp5tRk6YI/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2ULX9TW1NU/TfbFBH42jEI/AAAAAAAAA-k/kmrp5tRk6YI/s320/IMG_0494.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day started early for the drive from Boston out to Brimfield.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3-uUrinLk/TfbFTtC20cI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/_TTOUXP3uh8/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3-uUrinLk/TfbFTtC20cI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/_TTOUXP3uh8/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We parked in J&J again, which I find easy, and gets us right in the heart of the action. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIX7_iKjeIs/TfbFX7OmMyI/AAAAAAAAA_k/CBqN_ZD3ydU/s1600/IMG_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIX7_iKjeIs/TfbFX7OmMyI/AAAAAAAAA_k/CBqN_ZD3ydU/s320/IMG_0510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Last time we were here, I feel like I rushed through some of J&J, and wished I had spent more time there. So this time I made sure to really get saturated in the J&J field, and it paid off!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0Y8X54im5A/TfbEqp83cyI/AAAAAAAAA98/n-7NymCr9xY/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0Y8X54im5A/TfbEqp83cyI/AAAAAAAAA98/n-7NymCr9xY/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I went in with a few things in mind that I was looking for, a lemon reamer or juicer, any fun cooking related 'something or others', but besides those items, I wanted to just have fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ID3PdZuazMI/TfbEwokyolI/AAAAAAAAA-M/I-SVDMtx4iM/s1600/IMG_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ID3PdZuazMI/TfbEwokyolI/AAAAAAAAA-M/I-SVDMtx4iM/s320/IMG_0486.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">No, it's not a lie, we had fun :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHBgxumlkE/TfbFLRkglJI/AAAAAAAAA_A/rw9kRy_tEog/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHBgxumlkE/TfbFLRkglJI/AAAAAAAAA_A/rw9kRy_tEog/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can find just about anything at Brimfield...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSam8aESY3A/TfbFM8UoFJI/AAAAAAAAA_E/C8tj5-I27ws/s1600/IMG_0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSam8aESY3A/TfbFM8UoFJI/AAAAAAAAA_E/C8tj5-I27ws/s320/IMG_0502.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgUsP4ZBq80/TfbE7uFOetI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7eQXXNATiTw/s1600/IMG_0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgUsP4ZBq80/TfbE7uFOetI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7eQXXNATiTw/s320/IMG_0491.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Queen needed a bath apparently...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBid1pAnB9A/TfbE89SS6GI/AAAAAAAAA-c/I711hzpViSE/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBid1pAnB9A/TfbE89SS6GI/AAAAAAAAA-c/I711hzpViSE/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking for Vintage?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htzMmE2qD2U/TfbEu1LtvVI/AAAAAAAAA-I/cYPV59_DoiU/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htzMmE2qD2U/TfbEu1LtvVI/AAAAAAAAA-I/cYPV59_DoiU/s320/IMG_0485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about something more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__g6iJCfco0/TfbEpZIzATI/AAAAAAAAA94/fWuO2CCmTxY/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__g6iJCfco0/TfbEpZIzATI/AAAAAAAAA94/fWuO2CCmTxY/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I see London I see France...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgauzS8g5oc/TfbFOFF50YI/AAAAAAAAA_I/akFh9JXr_-U/s1600/IMG_0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgauzS8g5oc/TfbFOFF50YI/AAAAAAAAA_I/akFh9JXr_-U/s320/IMG_0503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndNYV0FSNXw/TfbFSCSYbWI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Ak2KQwmqdYU/s1600/IMG_0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndNYV0FSNXw/TfbFSCSYbWI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Ak2KQwmqdYU/s320/IMG_0506.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqlK1nYfYJk/TfbFPXNBJfI/AAAAAAAAA_M/JC-oHbnONiA/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqlK1nYfYJk/TfbFPXNBJfI/AAAAAAAAA_M/JC-oHbnONiA/s320/IMG_0504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDiRYDmC82c/TfbFF3TJtPI/AAAAAAAAA-w/MtYqTw-a_nE/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDiRYDmC82c/TfbFF3TJtPI/AAAAAAAAA-w/MtYqTw-a_nE/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRVRdk1brZc/TfbFEmJPZVI/AAAAAAAAA-s/QJZbJCgB1OQ/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRVRdk1brZc/TfbFEmJPZVI/AAAAAAAAA-s/QJZbJCgB1OQ/s320/IMG_0496.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqlK1nYfYJk/TfbFPXNBJfI/AAAAAAAAA_M/JC-oHbnONiA/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rd3FQRMj_g/TfbFQ3lUklI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pQO_ydLPcRQ/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rd3FQRMj_g/TfbFQ3lUklI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pQO_ydLPcRQ/s320/IMG_0505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, so what were my finds?? The things that made the cut?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I got a STEAL on this Frye clambroth glass Juicer! I love that it has steep walls, the smaller walled juicers aren't deep enough to actually hold all of the juice you really want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mro0J9-_5qQ/TfbEWEhKqKI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zQ_rtYGTLTE/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mro0J9-_5qQ/TfbEWEhKqKI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zQ_rtYGTLTE/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vintage tablecloths are always nice...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQouk6Rgeps/TfbEX_NNgOI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Hsy8uJGqXfc/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQouk6Rgeps/TfbEX_NNgOI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Hsy8uJGqXfc/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So then I found these glass items/inserts...hmmm what are they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwldqma5x_s/TfbEd5lt_bI/AAAAAAAAA90/lcPiIZbwhtc/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwldqma5x_s/TfbEd5lt_bI/AAAAAAAAA90/lcPiIZbwhtc/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The vendor I bought them from had them on his $5 table, I loved them, so nabbed them. He said he didn't know what they were, but all he sold was depression era glass...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, with a lot of research, I have found that these are perfume trays by the India Glass Company in the "Cracked Glass" Pattern and are fairly rare! Price I saw them being sold for online? $165 EACH! Score! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BufwTEoLJY/TfbEYlx30JI/AAAAAAAAA9g/ibkmZc135as/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BufwTEoLJY/TfbEYlx30JI/AAAAAAAAA9g/ibkmZc135as/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other finds included a small pink lemon reamer, a set of apple shaped lunch plates with matching teacups and green "block optic" sherbet plates to go with the sherbet glasses I found last year at Brimfield.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hl1DNjejDU/TfbES_p-eRI/AAAAAAAAA9E/-P0B7aJ8mP8/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hl1DNjejDU/TfbES_p-eRI/AAAAAAAAA9E/-P0B7aJ8mP8/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great vintage recipe booklets, with some great, usable recipes!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2pq5nlX42M/TfbEUpSd2xI/AAAAAAAAA9M/7PBHngA42YU/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2pq5nlX42M/TfbEUpSd2xI/AAAAAAAAA9M/7PBHngA42YU/s320/IMG_0614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCpmgIvqIGU/TfbEavLeUhI/AAAAAAAAA9o/Yw4yK_o7IFM/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCpmgIvqIGU/TfbEavLeUhI/AAAAAAAAA9o/Yw4yK_o7IFM/s320/IMG_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the full table shot of the rest of our loot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember I spy? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spy with my little eye...a blue owl candle holder, an old man, a hobnail box, and 1920s glass cameos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsVnQKdpMwQ/TfbER91LyjI/AAAAAAAAA9A/dV6Dwj0ehZI/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsVnQKdpMwQ/TfbER91LyjI/AAAAAAAAA9A/dV6Dwj0ehZI/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another successful day at Brimfield! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5W2aVMHUdc/TfbFWsGzCvI/AAAAAAAAA_g/CtCrk5--NJ8/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5W2aVMHUdc/TfbFWsGzCvI/AAAAAAAAA_g/CtCrk5--NJ8/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A Special Note: A very rare tornado affected many in the Brimfield, MA area recently. Lives were lost and homes were destroyed. Brimfield, MA and the surrounding areas are a beautiful part of the state and my thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by this tragedy.</b></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com0Brimfield, MA, USA42.1228721 -72.200911710.062998100000002 -131.9665367 74.1827461 -12.435286700000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-31315742039507211052011-05-07T23:47:00.000-04:002011-05-07T23:47:38.540-04:00Back in the Saddle...almostSo I am going to get back in the blogging saddle....sort of.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyhCcUzu2rA/TcYMIeaUKTI/AAAAAAAAA8I/mlTIXye26v8/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyhCcUzu2rA/TcYMIeaUKTI/AAAAAAAAA8I/mlTIXye26v8/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I don't have a baking story, but it's just been too long, and I really want to get back to writing, pictures, and baking!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32rX79CfI0Q/TcYLtZ10qNI/AAAAAAAAA78/syO6u2fmzwk/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32rX79CfI0Q/TcYLtZ10qNI/AAAAAAAAA78/syO6u2fmzwk/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I finally made my way over to the Public Garden here in Boston...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-UzJha-74A/TcYMK_77CoI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/_KUhMYCpUAc/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-UzJha-74A/TcYMK_77CoI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/_KUhMYCpUAc/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...it is the prettiest time of year in Boston and I can't help but take pictures of all the glory! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNLMI2jPAVU/TcYMH0KLmQI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Am-0ZgBwFzE/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNLMI2jPAVU/TcYMH0KLmQI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Am-0ZgBwFzE/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Last year the Garden was in <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-flowers.html">full bloom on Marathon Monday</a>, but due to the crazy winter we've had, the full bloom was delayed a few weeks this year...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Vz_hp-oqM/TcYMGfKNeuI/AAAAAAAAA8A/5eAPS--_3_A/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Vz_hp-oqM/TcYMGfKNeuI/AAAAAAAAA8A/5eAPS--_3_A/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the trees were just past their prime today, as were some of the tulips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGGR-mZQ-KA/TcYMNO9mleI/AAAAAAAAA8k/6hkepZTvTyQ/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGGR-mZQ-KA/TcYMNO9mleI/AAAAAAAAA8k/6hkepZTvTyQ/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">All were still beautiful though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRHfaP3vha4/TcYMLvP02dI/AAAAAAAAA8c/03I26kNm8HQ/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRHfaP3vha4/TcYMLvP02dI/AAAAAAAAA8c/03I26kNm8HQ/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could have stayed there all day, but I figured 118 pictures was probably enough!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-mBVcL83C8/TcYMIwz3EBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/AMP5cyppUkI/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-mBVcL83C8/TcYMIwz3EBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/AMP5cyppUkI/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>You can't precisely plan exactly when the Garden will show all of its colors, but this couple sure lucked out, and they're wedding pictures will be beautiful...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqLNer_34mA/TcYMNzW7EnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/lS3HCADYhMQ/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqLNer_34mA/TcYMNzW7EnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/lS3HCADYhMQ/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even through the rain, the colors were beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vpo6r3Ic8E/TcYPVcckWpI/AAAAAAAAA80/BrpG0T3zgNk/s1600/IMG_9998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vpo6r3Ic8E/TcYPVcckWpI/AAAAAAAAA80/BrpG0T3zgNk/s320/IMG_9998.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tulip amazed me, it was as if someone dipped a paint brush in bright red paint and just swished this one petal...amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NQK7bt_iqw/TcYMMXgtcDI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MvUCtFNoV6g/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NQK7bt_iqw/TcYMMXgtcDI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MvUCtFNoV6g/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb4crJs76W4/TcYMOaZmiUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/1Ihxg2hQARU/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb4crJs76W4/TcYMOaZmiUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/1Ihxg2hQARU/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Mother's Day!!</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-61853301759774951252010-12-20T21:32:00.000-05:002010-12-20T21:32:45.775-05:00Cranberry Bread<div style="text-align: center;">Well hello! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you still there? I am here! Really I am. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think of blogging often...but the 'real' world seems to have taken the front seat for awhile...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Things have been a little crazy...a little bit of this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADZqtwEyI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7c0h-9vfqHs/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADZqtwEyI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7c0h-9vfqHs/s320/IMG_9833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A little bit of that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADlDENYjI/AAAAAAAAAzc/1OD-LwExs1A/s1600/IMG_9808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADlDENYjI/AAAAAAAAAzc/1OD-LwExs1A/s320/IMG_9808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A little tiny bit of this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADyYGbh5I/AAAAAAAAAzg/wgFmdkjfWyQ/s1600/IMG_9604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRADyYGbh5I/AAAAAAAAAzg/wgFmdkjfWyQ/s320/IMG_9604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a lot of yearning to get back to blogging!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that we are finally at least a little settled...decorated Christmas tree included...I can finally share some of the baking I've done while in the midst of packing, moving, de-wallpapering, unpacking, painting and actually working at my day job.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a GREAT cranberry bread recipe years ago...guess where I found it? The Fannie Farmer Cookbook Copyright 1990. My Grandmother gave me this cookbook in 1999 when I moved into my first apartment. I can't tell you how many great recipes this oldie but goodie cookbook has. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAGG208IkI/AAAAAAAAAzk/TXldfe8aXZE/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAGG208IkI/AAAAAAAAAzk/TXldfe8aXZE/s320/IMG_9800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've made this cranberry bread for years, it works great in mini-form as gifts for friends, teachers, colleagues, and of course as full size loaves for yourself :) So I have found my go-to <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/06/zucchini-bread.html">zucchini bread recipe</a> , this is my cranberry bread recipe....next up, banana bread! Open to your suggestions!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My in-laws were visiting in October and we were able to show them the beauty of Cape Cod, and most importantly, buy some fresh cranberries!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAITx4q31I/AAAAAAAAAzo/l2Vixc8FvXI/s1600/IMG_9719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAITx4q31I/AAAAAAAAAzo/l2Vixc8FvXI/s320/IMG_9719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THREE pounds of fresh cranberries!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, besides cranberry bread, I made a lot of acorn squash this fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAJEfe017I/AAAAAAAAAzw/nHvPA1XPPP0/s1600/IMG_9773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAJEfe017I/AAAAAAAAAzw/nHvPA1XPPP0/s320/IMG_9773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you know how to tell when a cranberry is fresh? They bounce! Really, try it for yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So let's get to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can add nuts to this bread, I just like a pure cranberry bread without nuts. So modify it to suit your taste. I've substituted orange juice for the orange with boiling water, and increased the amount of cranberries to really pump up the color and cranberry flavor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Cranberry Bread : Fannie Farmer 1990</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 Orange</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boiling Water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 Tbsp Butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 c sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup chopped cranberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups white flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a mini-food processor...and I mean MINI. I have chopped these by hand...yes really...many times, but if you have one of these mini food processors they work perfectly for this amount of cranberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAM_AAjwJI/AAAAAAAAA0M/eexM2RxhT5s/s1600/IMG_9763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAM_AAjwJI/AAAAAAAAA0M/eexM2RxhT5s/s320/IMG_9763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANDb1AI7I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/pEVGn3I2GEw/s1600/IMG_9772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANDb1AI7I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/pEVGn3I2GEw/s320/IMG_9772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRALnFKbHBI/AAAAAAAAA0A/JbTE8MRK3so/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRALnFKbHBI/AAAAAAAAA0A/JbTE8MRK3so/s320/IMG_9774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zest the entire orange, squeeze all of its juice into a liquid measuring cup, including the zest. Add enough <b><u>boiling</u></b> water to make a little over 3/4 cup total liquid. ( 3/4 cup of orange juice will also work, but I find the zest really adds an extra layer of flavor and freshness)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRALaAl7FcI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Er3kHUcGM0U/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRALaAl7FcI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Er3kHUcGM0U/s320/IMG_9776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Add the butter and stir to melt. (If you go the orange juice method, melt the 2 Tbsp butter and then add it to the juice)<br />
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In another bowl, beat the egg, and slowly add the sugar, making sure it is all well incorporated.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAMcnQxyoI/AAAAAAAAA0E/vCYjAmFWgGw/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAMcnQxyoI/AAAAAAAAA0E/vCYjAmFWgGw/s320/IMG_9778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add all remaining ingredients. Also add the orange mixture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAMmdD4riI/AAAAAAAAA0I/e07nvEe6Npk/s1600/IMG_9780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAMmdD4riI/AAAAAAAAA0I/e07nvEe6Npk/s320/IMG_9780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANpVfmdxI/AAAAAAAAA0U/lIRnFXfYjwU/s1600/IMG_9781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANpVfmdxI/AAAAAAAAA0U/lIRnFXfYjwU/s320/IMG_9781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mmm...see all the bits of zest goodness?! yum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANy2ydD_I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/iZSnTCSA--I/s1600/IMG_9782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRANy2ydD_I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/iZSnTCSA--I/s320/IMG_9782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love to make a decoration with halved cranberries on the top of the loaf before baking. Plus if you get a bite of a piece of the loaf with a big piece on top, it's an added flavor burst.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAPJRlBz3I/AAAAAAAAA0g/WIbrLDcKdps/s1600/IMG_9787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAPJRlBz3I/AAAAAAAAA0g/WIbrLDcKdps/s320/IMG_9787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy the ridiculously good smells that will come from your oven.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As per usual, the bread will be done when a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean from the center of the loaf.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Hmmm...pretty decoration didn't quite make it this time...but still tasted great!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAP1O-F6hI/AAAAAAAAA0o/lOc7OVr2SBg/s1600/IMG_9789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAP1O-F6hI/AAAAAAAAA0o/lOc7OVr2SBg/s320/IMG_9789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAP8rJLgxI/AAAAAAAAA0s/ZBusvkvCRqs/s1600/IMG_9794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAP8rJLgxI/AAAAAAAAA0s/ZBusvkvCRqs/s320/IMG_9794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've found that it is best to cool this bread in the pan for about 5 minutes, then remove from pan and let it finish cooling on a wire rack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAQM1eHJjI/AAAAAAAAA0w/Le65rxjSaR8/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAQM1eHJjI/AAAAAAAAA0w/Le65rxjSaR8/s320/IMG_9801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAQUvjTKLI/AAAAAAAAA00/H1B9IWUZB7E/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TRAQUvjTKLI/AAAAAAAAA00/H1B9IWUZB7E/s320/IMG_9762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-36763905226238476052010-09-29T21:00:00.000-04:002010-09-29T21:00:09.790-04:00Why-Not Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Before</span>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TKPfb-jb19I/AAAAAAAAAzM/ks7_zW3NfJo/s1600/IMG_7807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TKPfb-jb19I/AAAAAAAAAzM/ks7_zW3NfJo/s400/IMG_7807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After</span>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TKPff6B1BDI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/DwHt42RrEiY/s1600/IMG_7809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TKPff6B1BDI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/DwHt42RrEiY/s400/IMG_7809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-11776454536772459192010-09-12T22:49:00.001-04:002010-09-13T12:22:40.172-04:00Brimfield Antique Fair...September 2010<div style="text-align: center;">Stuff, antiques, junk...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KT62uViI/AAAAAAAAAxE/YbRZN6nG6qA/s1600/IMG_9102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KT62uViI/AAAAAAAAAxE/YbRZN6nG6qA/s320/IMG_9102.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatsits, gadgets, gizmos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2Dxq9HFrI/AAAAAAAAAwE/-OoqiL518G0/s1600/IMG_9094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2Dxq9HFrI/AAAAAAAAAwE/-OoqiL518G0/s320/IMG_9094.jpg" /></a></div>We decided to hit <a href="http://www.brimfieldshow.com/">Brimfield</a> for the 2nd time this year (look <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/05/brimfield-antique-fair.html">here</a> for my blogpost about our trip in May), walked our feet off, bought some fun stuff and ate some great food!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2HGQikvlI/AAAAAAAAAwk/4SOA0dYjTIs/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2HGQikvlI/AAAAAAAAAwk/4SOA0dYjTIs/s320/IMG_9108.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best. Sandwich. Ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2G9K1X0DI/AAAAAAAAAwc/JcjA-LINm0Q/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2G9K1X0DI/AAAAAAAAAwc/JcjA-LINm0Q/s320/IMG_9106.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Some tips? Wear walking shoes and be prepared to get dirty! Parking? Don't park at the first lot you see, keep driving, sit in traffic for a little bit (it always moves fast) and park in any of the lots right in the middle of the action. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2JKInLwYI/AAAAAAAAAw0/Au5CYlSJufs/s1600/IMG_9126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2JKInLwYI/AAAAAAAAAw0/Au5CYlSJufs/s320/IMG_9126.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2Kf8h-AzI/AAAAAAAAAxc/cd6gLkscgG8/s1600/IMG_9100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2Kf8h-AzI/AAAAAAAAAxc/cd6gLkscgG8/s320/IMG_9100.JPG" /></a></div>We parked in <a href="http://www.jandj-brimfield.com/">J&J</a> for the second time, and I really like it for its central location, relatively inexpensive fee ($6), and the fact that it puts you right smack dab into one of the best lots at Brimfield.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2GM0mCQ8I/AAAAAAAAAwM/gj3r-R17k1c/s1600/IMG_9093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2GM0mCQ8I/AAAAAAAAAwM/gj3r-R17k1c/s320/IMG_9093.JPG" /></a></div>Something I didn't fully realize until we went this year is there are different 'shows', which are run by different promoters. What that means for you and me, is that there are different huge lots which technically all have different names...think of them as different named fields, each with hundreds of different dealers and booths to work your way through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KmQuQTiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/IHL9kzqSLeE/s1600/IMG_9112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KmQuQTiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/IHL9kzqSLeE/s320/IMG_9112.jpg" /></a></div>Can I just show you some cool pictures? I love taking pictures there, gorgeous stuff...all with its own history...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2J1pgBK_I/AAAAAAAAAw8/Ej65Evg4yzw/s1600/IMG_9120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2J1pgBK_I/AAAAAAAAAw8/Ej65Evg4yzw/s320/IMG_9120.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rise and shine, time to head to Brimfield!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KZ9Cf-FI/AAAAAAAAAxU/p5OilinmMz8/s1600/IMG_9116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KZ9Cf-FI/AAAAAAAAAxU/p5OilinmMz8/s320/IMG_9116.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love purple, especially purple bottles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KiP2stZI/AAAAAAAAAxk/fJg9yUg3eIk/s1600/IMG_9117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KiP2stZI/AAAAAAAAAxk/fJg9yUg3eIk/s320/IMG_9117.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KW3AqewI/AAAAAAAAAxM/nGnyYSlAuSU/s1600/IMG_9097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2KW3AqewI/AAAAAAAAAxM/nGnyYSlAuSU/s320/IMG_9097.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously you can find anything here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2L9rHJ8fI/AAAAAAAAAx8/jACADn9SrSk/s1600/IMG_9113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2L9rHJ8fI/AAAAAAAAAx8/jACADn9SrSk/s320/IMG_9113.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lawn Ornaments...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2MQ0GhSXI/AAAAAAAAAyE/pV30DES0rbA/s1600/IMG_9134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2MQ0GhSXI/AAAAAAAAAyE/pV30DES0rbA/s320/IMG_9134.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bugs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2MdPYVBXI/AAAAAAAAAyM/BrasKNbAVFE/s1600/DSCN3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2MdPYVBXI/AAAAAAAAAyM/BrasKNbAVFE/s320/DSCN3456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2NOeoWhJI/AAAAAAAAAyc/5CBP_H71OPk/s1600/IMG_9114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2NOeoWhJI/AAAAAAAAAyc/5CBP_H71OPk/s320/IMG_9114.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously had so much fun. On our feet for about 7 hours! But look at all of our loot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2NhjBA5xI/AAAAAAAAAyk/i9A2uaAwplg/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2NhjBA5xI/AAAAAAAAAyk/i9A2uaAwplg/s320/IMG_9138.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final tally:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many bracelets, 2 were bakelite, red and orange glass bangles, and old school plastic bangles. They are so cute with the right outfit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grape jello molds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sherbet dishes (4 green, 2 pink, 1 yellow) Can't wait for new dishware for blog posts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kitchen curtains for my Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Refrigerator box (glassware for the fridge...glassware that takes the place of a piece of gladware!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ball jar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brownie camera to play with ($10!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A purple bottle (hard to see in my pic, but it's on the right hand side)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One booth was just FULL of lab glassware, think beakers, graduated cylinders, test tubes etc. The guy said he bought out an old MIT lab. It was fantastic. My husband bought some great glassware that he has a grand plan to display some mementos from our recent travels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The grape placemats are my own :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were literally the last car in the lot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2QPKqRK4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/2r7pTeAMbqM/s1600/IMG_9136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2QPKqRK4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/2r7pTeAMbqM/s320/IMG_9136.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know about you, but we are definitely headed back for the May 2011 show! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2P8AC-PiI/AAAAAAAAAy8/v4lL0P5mZTA/s1600/IMG_9121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2P8AC-PiI/AAAAAAAAAy8/v4lL0P5mZTA/s320/IMG_9121.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is just fun, plain and simple. Wether you are looking for something in particular or looking for something fun to do, go for it! See you there next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2PxFb511I/AAAAAAAAAy0/uRVrXavfyB8/s1600/DSCN3476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TI2PxFb511I/AAAAAAAAAy0/uRVrXavfyB8/s320/DSCN3476.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-34097324696537518472010-09-06T22:29:00.002-04:002010-09-06T22:31:44.306-04:00Blackberry SorbetEvery August growing up, I would walk the edges of nearby fields, picking blackberries, and watching over my shoulder for neighborhood dogs on the loose! Those blackberries were sweet, huge, juicy and plentiful. I'd come home with a sherbet container full, and more than a few prickers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWZxlWEYfI/AAAAAAAAAus/WJgfvcbUD60/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWZxlWEYfI/AAAAAAAAAus/WJgfvcbUD60/s320/IMG_8751.JPG" /></a></div><div>Nowadays, I get my blackberries at <a href="http://www.wilsonfarm.com/">Wilson's Farm</a> or the local grocery store. Unfortunately, they're rarely as sweet and large as they used to be, but still fantastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWdR57uqEI/AAAAAAAAAvE/RPte0NyqRDw/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWdR57uqEI/AAAAAAAAAvE/RPte0NyqRDw/s320/IMG_8758.JPG" /></a></div><div>This year my eyes were bigger than my stomach and I was left with a lot of blackberries in my fridge before leaving town for a few days...hmmm...what to do? I also had some watermelon and a few kiwis that I also didn't want to go bad...time for 'Everything but the Kitchen Sink' sorbet! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWbUBxIfrI/AAAAAAAAAu0/ldmvjCzggOg/s1600/IMG_8687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWbUBxIfrI/AAAAAAAAAu0/ldmvjCzggOg/s320/IMG_8687.JPG" /></a></div><div>This came out so well, I urge you to try something similar with some leftover fruit from your labor day weekend festivities!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWeZ_CowuI/AAAAAAAAAvM/3_ZKvCOl-wM/s1600/IMG_8697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWeZ_CowuI/AAAAAAAAAvM/3_ZKvCOl-wM/s320/IMG_8697.JPG" /></a></div><div>This sorbet tastes like late summer, and is full of wonderful blackberry flavor. The addition of some sugar, with the sweetness of the watermelon and kiwis, brings out the true blackberry flavor even if you have some pretty sour blackberries. This fruits of summer sorbet combines the light, refreshing flavor of mid-summer watermelon, the sweet taste of kiwi (which has a strawberry and banana cross flavor to it), and of course the end of Summer blackberries. So good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWiUdx5P9I/AAAAAAAAAv8/A87Tm-Pj8QE/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWiUdx5P9I/AAAAAAAAAv8/A87Tm-Pj8QE/s320/IMG_8748.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Blackberry Sorbet</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-2 cups blackberries (approximately, use what you have)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-2 cups watermelon (again, approximately)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 kiwis</div><div style="text-align: center;">Juice of 1 lime (I squeezed gently, didn't go too crazy with the lime juice)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2/3 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2/3 cup water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tbsp Coconut Rum *optional...helps with scoopability post freezing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blend with a blender or handheld mixer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWfc2vfc3I/AAAAAAAAAvU/xUhBQ8U18a8/s1600/IMG_8692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWfc2vfc3I/AAAAAAAAAvU/xUhBQ8U18a8/s320/IMG_8692.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started to strain out some of the seeds, and did so with a fine mesh strainer and a rubber spatula...but decided to just leave everything in there, because a lot of the flavor comes from that pulp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWf9fCr0DI/AAAAAAAAAvc/On9unwLn-iU/s1600/IMG_8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWf9fCr0DI/AAAAAAAAAvc/On9unwLn-iU/s320/IMG_8694.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> In the end, the seeds were not a big deal at all! So don't worry about it. They are so fine, it did not make a difference.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blend, pour, freeze...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWhW-pEngI/AAAAAAAAAvs/JxIEB6hYs0Y/s1600/IMG_8700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWhW-pEngI/AAAAAAAAAvs/JxIEB6hYs0Y/s320/IMG_8700.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWhw-FdaUI/AAAAAAAAAv0/BbSp0RtUZKw/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TIWhw-FdaUI/AAAAAAAAAv0/BbSp0RtUZKw/s320/IMG_8740.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">EAT! Enjoy! Happy Last Days of Summer!</div><div><br />
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</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-9055930144647276012010-08-25T22:57:00.001-04:002010-09-03T13:57:40.319-04:00Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXKRIV6cTI/AAAAAAAAAsE/H89nPrumx3M/s1600/IMG_8744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXKRIV6cTI/AAAAAAAAAsE/H89nPrumx3M/s320/IMG_8744.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally accomplished a long held goal, sugar cookies with royal icing! Yay! Not only did I make one batch, I made two batches, for two separate events, within a week of each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXErd3DqsI/AAAAAAAAAr0/ruclXH4Njl0/s1600/Mel%27s+Baby+Shower+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXErd3DqsI/AAAAAAAAAr0/ruclXH4Njl0/s320/Mel%27s+Baby+Shower+017.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am now on a sugar cookies sabbatical, at least for a couple more weeks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first attempt at these cookies was for a dear friend's baby shower. She is having a little girl, and all I could think of was pink, pink, pink! I made large teddy bears, baby bottles and little pink feet with painted toes. My friend and I love to get pedicures together, so of course the cookies had to have a perfectly painted pedicure. (OK, 'perfectly' painted is quite an overstatement for my first attempt!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been doing my research for cut-out sugar cookie recipes, royal icing, and getting inspiration from a few of my favorite blogs like <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bake at 350</a>, <a href="http://www.universityofcookie.com/">University of Cookie</a>, and <a href="http://cookiesandcups.blogspot.com/">Cookies and Cups</a>. These ladies know how to bake a cookie! University of Cookie is a great resource started by Bridget of Bake at 350, and it is loaded with cute videos and helpful tips and tricks! Definitely go check it out if you are venturing into this oddly addictive venture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXWIXUJMhI/AAAAAAAAAuk/36Wgi-tHZcA/s1600/IMG_8746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXWIXUJMhI/AAAAAAAAAuk/36Wgi-tHZcA/s320/IMG_8746.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My second attempt was for another dear friend's son's first birthday party, and they were a lot of fun to make. The color theme for the party was red, yellow and blue, so I brought those into the cookies by using the paste food coloring in the little tubs which provide a much more vibrant color than water based or gel based food coloring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesson Learned #1:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XX Sugar or Confectioner's Sugar sprinkled liberally on your work surface will make your cookie making experience a lot better, and easier!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXMVVUbBtI/AAAAAAAAAsM/o5pfdJb0ey8/s1600/IMG_8662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXMVVUbBtI/AAAAAAAAAsM/o5pfdJb0ey8/s320/IMG_8662.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesson Learned #2:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut out your cookies to the same thickness. This is done by either the rings you can put on a rolling pin which will roll out your dough to the same thickness, or if you have two strips of wood (clean wood!) the same thickness, roll out your dough in between these two strips, while using the strips of wood like rails to roll your rolling pin on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXNYEsaU_I/AAAAAAAAAsU/lRtgLiPiV80/s1600/IMG_8665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXNYEsaU_I/AAAAAAAAAsU/lRtgLiPiV80/s320/IMG_8665.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesson Learned #3:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make two batches of dough if you want to have a good amount for a gathering, and chill the dough for at least an hour. I patted the batch of dough into a 6 x 7 inch rectangle, approximately, then wrapped it plastic wrap and put in the fridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, that was more than just one lesson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh and sift your sugar for your icing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXVAzdOSwI/AAAAAAAAAuU/EmKwQSN-b7o/s1600/IMG_8666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXVAzdOSwI/AAAAAAAAAuU/EmKwQSN-b7o/s320/IMG_8666.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are seriously so many things I learned while making these cookies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cookies themselves, pre-icing, came out great. I modified <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bridget's</a> sugar cookie recipe, and it worked well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used vanilla and my secret weapon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXRkrGACJI/AAAAAAAAAts/DxUwsG-rK4A/s1600/IMG_8658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXRkrGACJI/AAAAAAAAAts/DxUwsG-rK4A/s320/IMG_8658.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This flavoring gives the cookies an extra buttery, every so slightly citrusy flavor that all melds together for a <b>very. tasty. cookie</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I did add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to one batch as I thought it might need it since I was using unsalted butter. Turns out, it didn't make a difference at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXOeCS4QPI/AAAAAAAAAsc/C6Bc-5LcQDo/s1600/IMG_8661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXOeCS4QPI/AAAAAAAAAsc/C6Bc-5LcQDo/s320/IMG_8661.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXP5_Be8pI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EOiPXyBVbf8/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXP5_Be8pI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EOiPXyBVbf8/s320/IMG_8736.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXQENmiXvI/AAAAAAAAAtE/PYjWnHq_Oto/s1600/IMG_8737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXQENmiXvI/AAAAAAAAAtE/PYjWnHq_Oto/s320/IMG_8737.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also used Bridget's recipe for royal icing. I used fresh lemon juice in the baby shower cookies, and pure vanilla extract for the birthday cookies. Both tasted great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here's the bad news, large teddy bears take extra, extra long to dry! Just plan on a little extra time if flood icing a large cookie. Another challenge I ran into was that some of the cookies, in both batches, had the flood royal icing get little holes or pock-marks, once completely dry. Talk about freaking out! In the end, I think it may have been due to the fact that when I thinned my royal icing, I did not thin it out gradually! Patience is apparently important with royal icing. I was able to embellish some of the cookies with piped icing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXTvTsFF3I/AAAAAAAAAt0/thlYzfyRsuY/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXTvTsFF3I/AAAAAAAAAt0/thlYzfyRsuY/s320/IMG_8740.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end, each batch took a full three nights to complete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Night 1: Make dough and chill. Cut-out and bake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUTRXgwDI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Nv4VJE1VU4I/s1600/IMG_8656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUTRXgwDI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Nv4VJE1VU4I/s320/IMG_8656.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Night 2: Make royal icing, outline cookies and flood ice cookies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUZ3JMFBI/AAAAAAAAAuE/oSzwzYufQ4Q/s1600/IMG_8735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUZ3JMFBI/AAAAAAAAAuE/oSzwzYufQ4Q/s320/IMG_8735.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Night 3: Do detailing of cookies, embellish etc. Let completely dry overnight if needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUt7c1JJI/AAAAAAAAAuM/aJlLc3M0GE0/s1600/IMG_8745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXUt7c1JJI/AAAAAAAAAuM/aJlLc3M0GE0/s320/IMG_8745.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Phew!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXVsLqkFQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/vkND81wcYkg/s1600/Ryan+Vincent+1+Year+Birthday+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/THXVsLqkFQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/vkND81wcYkg/s320/Ryan+Vincent+1+Year+Birthday+013.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://tidymom.net/im-lovin-it-fridays/" target="_blank" title="Tidy Mom I'm Lovin It Fridays"><img alt="Tidy Mom I'm Lovin It Fridays" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/TidyMomFRIDAYS-1.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-29286034096969929572010-07-10T21:07:00.000-04:002010-07-10T21:07:11.235-04:00Stonewall Kitchen's Vanilla Sandwich Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkDhogNagI/AAAAAAAAApM/beWX-fZd9Zg/s1600/IMG_8482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkDhogNagI/AAAAAAAAApM/beWX-fZd9Zg/s320/IMG_8482.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's hot out! It's sticky! Too lazy, hot and tired to make a snack from scratch? Too busy with work lately to do a lot of your own baking? (Umm, yes that would be me...) I won't tell, whip up a batch of Stonewall Kitchen's Vanilla Sandwich cookies and it will look like you slaved all morning!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"You made these cookies for us in this heat?! Oh what a doll you are dear!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkEm_no8YI/AAAAAAAAApU/TDWX-1Yqmcg/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkEm_no8YI/AAAAAAAAApU/TDWX-1Yqmcg/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently at a Stonewall Kitchen store up in Portsmouth, NH, I bought a box of these that were on the clearance shelf, can't beat 75% off :). I wanted to make something fun for visiting some family tomorrow so I thought these would be easy. They were, and I still was able to modify it as needed and I even learned something. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkFXuWGZ5I/AAAAAAAAApc/T9cNrviO3kU/s1600/IMG_8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkFXuWGZ5I/AAAAAAAAApc/T9cNrviO3kU/s320/IMG_8447.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two bags were included in the box, one with the cookie mix, and one with the filling. You need a LOT of butter for these cookies... 8 and a half Tbsp for the cookies alone...that is one stick plus half a Tbsp of butter. Mmmm butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice anything about the shape of my cookies?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before Baking:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkSHzKDhDI/AAAAAAAAApk/mywu4rOUuPg/s1600/IMG_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkSHzKDhDI/AAAAAAAAApk/mywu4rOUuPg/s320/IMG_8448.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">After Baking:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkSSPPGBfI/AAAAAAAAAps/0AsVXOQ9jE0/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkSSPPGBfI/AAAAAAAAAps/0AsVXOQ9jE0/s320/IMG_8458.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, they didn't spread out at all, and they are more than a little misshapen! The directions just said to slight flatten a rounded teaspoon of dough. Ummm....yeah. Ok. So, the next batch, I decided to roll the dough in between my hands, and then flatten with a spoon. Can you tell the difference?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkUlIX4z7I/AAAAAAAAAqE/lj5LaPH3csk/s1600/IMG_8466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkUlIX4z7I/AAAAAAAAAqE/lj5LaPH3csk/s320/IMG_8466.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Lesson Learned #1: Use your noggin.<br />
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Next was making the filling, which was very easy. Dump in the bag of the filling into your mixer, add 1/4 softened butter and 1/4 vegetable shortening..i.e. good old Crisco.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkVA9P7KLI/AAAAAAAAAqM/0YA1RpxjPvs/s1600/IMG_8457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkVA9P7KLI/AAAAAAAAAqM/0YA1RpxjPvs/s320/IMG_8457.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Crisco still freaks me out a little, but in reality it has 50% less fat than butter....cool :) So wait are these low fat cookies!?! Uhhh, no, but it makes me feel a little better that they are slightly less fattening than they could be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkVsqZfrYI/AAAAAAAAAqU/rDGrZn1qkHI/s1600/IMG_8464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkVsqZfrYI/AAAAAAAAAqU/rDGrZn1qkHI/s320/IMG_8464.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The directions basically just say to mix together the Butter, Crisco, and 'filling mix'...but without any sort of liquid, it wasn't doing much of anything except getting powdered chocolate all over my kitchen. I added about a Tbsp of milk and it mixed up perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesson Learned #2: See Lesson Learned #1</div><br />
The only thing left to do is put the sandwiches together and try a few. Oh the things I do for baking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkXqRVphLI/AAAAAAAAAqc/nErMvXB0kxs/s1600/IMG_8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TDkXqRVphLI/AAAAAAAAAqc/nErMvXB0kxs/s320/IMG_8480.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. I love my Pyrex dish I got at <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/05/brimfield-antique-fair.html">Brimfield</a>!</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_596607229"></span><span id="goog_596607230"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-75496592976136446622010-06-22T23:26:00.004-04:002010-06-25T11:30:29.635-04:00Mango Sorbet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I know, I know, my last post was about sorbet, but that was chocolate sorbet, I feel like mango sorbet is REAL sorbet...it's fruit! It's like healthy ice cream!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFv8Ot14NI/AAAAAAAAAnU/pcc_aXamz9U/s1600/IMG_8437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFv8Ot14NI/AAAAAAAAAnU/pcc_aXamz9U/s320/IMG_8437.JPG" /></a></div>OK, so I am a little obsessed with ice cream, sorbet, and my ice cream maker attachment to my KitchenAid...although this you can make without an ice cream maker. (More on that later.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFvte5dMHI/AAAAAAAAAnM/WHOk-QYYyxo/s1600/IMG_8445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFvte5dMHI/AAAAAAAAAnM/WHOk-QYYyxo/s320/IMG_8445.JPG" /></a></div>Sooo, Mango Sorbet! Technically this is Mango Peach Lime Coconut Sorbet....but really everything but the mango just enhances the flavor of the mango, I am so impressed with how the other flavors bring out the mango flavor. Just the mango itself, surprisingly would not result in the full mango flavor that this sorbet has.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF1P4R97kI/AAAAAAAAAns/Q5W73QtSMs8/s1600/IMG_8438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF1P4R97kI/AAAAAAAAAns/Q5W73QtSMs8/s320/IMG_8438.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dave, my bff, as mentioned in my Chocolate sorbet post, had a recipe that I based this recipe on. His recipe included mango, dark rum, and lime juice; I mixed it up a bit. Find his original recipe in his book, "The Perfect Scoop".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Mango Sorbet i.e. Mango Peach Coconut Lime Sorbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 ripe mangoes (Spelling tip, Mangoes or Mangos is correct)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 peach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2/3 cup sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2/3 cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Juice of 1 lime</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Tbsp Coconut Rum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Peel and dice 2 mangoes (This duplicate correct spelling is bugging me)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have tried the seemingly popular way to <a href="http://www.mango.org/en/about-mangos/how-to-cut-a-mango.aspx">dice a mango</a>, and it just never works for me, so I went for what felt right to me. I peeled the mango with a vegetable peeler, and sliced as much mango as I could off of the wide flat seed. Be very careful when working with ripe, slipper mangoes! I definitely want one of those mango slicers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF52wHzvNI/AAAAAAAAAn0/Q0QRG2mn2-Y/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF52wHzvNI/AAAAAAAAAn0/Q0QRG2mn2-Y/s320/IMG_8412.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Peel and dice one ripe peach and add to the diced mangoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF7zEjTd9I/AAAAAAAAAn8/Exdi8wI4PZ0/s1600/IMG_8410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF7zEjTd9I/AAAAAAAAAn8/Exdi8wI4PZ0/s320/IMG_8410.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Add water, coconut rum, and the juice of 1 lime to the diced fruit. (The rum helps keep the sorbet slightly soft enough to be scoopable after freezing and leaves ZERO alcohol taste)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF8AvxsmDI/AAAAAAAAAoE/5pxJUBijRKs/s1600/IMG_8423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF8AvxsmDI/AAAAAAAAAoE/5pxJUBijRKs/s320/IMG_8423.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Stir mixture to incorporate, and then either pour into a blender or use an immersion blender to blend smooth as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF9IQ4LD6I/AAAAAAAAAoM/rGmLAHToNN4/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF9IQ4LD6I/AAAAAAAAAoM/rGmLAHToNN4/s320/IMG_8421.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF9KAJhwBI/AAAAAAAAAoU/9I7QjTVmloc/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF9KAJhwBI/AAAAAAAAAoU/9I7QjTVmloc/s320/IMG_8424.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Chill mixture ( I chilled it for about an hour which seemed just fine)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Whir it up in your ice cream maker! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF94FVuC1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/HQLfxvs3Uuc/s1600/IMG_8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF94FVuC1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/HQLfxvs3Uuc/s320/IMG_8427.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or, if you simply freeze this mixture and stir once or twice while freezing, you'll get a nice frozen treat without the need for an ice cream maker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF-E2s4d5I/AAAAAAAAAos/CY6cAdPexoQ/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCF-E2s4d5I/AAAAAAAAAos/CY6cAdPexoQ/s320/IMG_8430.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You won't be disappointed by this mango sorbet recipe! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFvdQZb9eI/AAAAAAAAAnE/UabV220pGXk/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TCFvdQZb9eI/AAAAAAAAAnE/UabV220pGXk/s320/IMG_8440.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a shout out to my wonderful college friends and a long ago trip to Miami, </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Wet Willy's is Booooring, Mangoes is fuuuuunnn!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" width="200" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-30242893569114919052010-06-17T22:44:00.001-04:002010-06-17T22:49:21.087-04:00Chocolate Sorbet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</div><div>Chocolate Sorbet is so lovely. It's rich and satisfying, yet doesn't have the weight of some chocolate ice creams. I say, perfect for summer! Here in Boston, it's going to be in the 90s starting tomorrow!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrNuFo8CWI/AAAAAAAAAl8/pefEiReyPvU/s1600/IMG_8386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrNuFo8CWI/AAAAAAAAAl8/pefEiReyPvU/s320/IMG_8386.JPG" /></a></div><div>I had the Chocolate Fudgsicle sorbet at <a href="http://www.jplicks.com/ice_cream.html">JP Licks</a> last weekend, which is exactly what started this quest. Their official description: Chocolate Fudgsicle Sorbet - Chocolate heavin! Tastes just like an old fashioned fudgsicle. They were oh so right. It was just so good, especially when accompanied by their new Banana Oreo...seriously, c'mon, ridiculously happy ice cream moment!</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">I found this recipe in David <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lebovitz</span></span> "The Perfect Scoop", modified it slightly, and have been eating it for a week!</span></div></span><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did not follow the recipe precisely, I did not have Dutch process cocoa powder, so I used the Hershey's cocoa powder I had in the cabinet. I also used the brick chocolate that I had, but this still came out absolutely amazing. I do want to try this again with Dutch process cocoa powder as it does have a somewhat smoother quality when used in ice cream and has a milder flavor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrQPGyKL8I/AAAAAAAAAmE/THlkUt8mPhE/s1600/IMG_8317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrQPGyKL8I/AAAAAAAAAmE/THlkUt8mPhE/s320/IMG_8317.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This had a very strong flavor and was so very rich, that I found having a bowl full of wonderful fresh summer berries with it really helps to cut the strength the chocolate. As the ice cream melts, you then have chocolate covered strawberries and raspberries. Really, it was wonderful! If you use an even higher quality chocolate, it would of course make it even better. Dave suggests that a higher quality chocolate will yield better results, but the chocolate that I had in my cabinet worked just fine for me! (And yes, Dave and I are on a first name basis...we're BFFs)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Chocolate Sorbet</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Adapted from "The Perfect Scoop" by David Lebovitz</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 1/4 cups Water (Divided into 1 1/2 cups water and 3/4 cup water)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 c sugar</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 c unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pinch of salt</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 oz. bittersweet chocolate</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrYfMp3gvI/AAAAAAAAAms/zc7WgivPPJU/s1600/IMG_8320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrYfMp3gvI/AAAAAAAAAms/zc7WgivPPJU/s320/IMG_8320.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix together 1 1/2 cups of water, sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a large saucepan. Stirring almost constantly, bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, whisk the mixture while on the heat for approximately a minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrXKFbyLbI/AAAAAAAAAmM/HQaQbkCKXlY/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrXKFbyLbI/AAAAAAAAAmM/HQaQbkCKXlY/s320/IMG_8325.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take the mixture off of the heat, and add in the chocolate. Mix well, the residual heat will melt the chocolate almost immediately. Add the remaining 3/4 cup water and vanilla.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrX3zENsmI/AAAAAAAAAmk/_eI5Cs2-QcM/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrX3zENsmI/AAAAAAAAAmk/_eI5Cs2-QcM/s320/IMG_8335.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Dave suggests putting your mixture into a blender at this point for 15 seconds. I used an immersion blender, but didn't find it really did much to the mixture, but did result in some splattered chocolate.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrXW6WTheI/AAAAAAAAAmU/LPK-z6D9RBw/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrXW6WTheI/AAAAAAAAAmU/LPK-z6D9RBw/s320/IMG_8330.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chill well and then throw it in your ice cream maker! (Gently...gently!)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ahhhh chocolate sorbet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrZH-gjIgI/AAAAAAAAAm0/DGx0sQiQRKE/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TBrZH-gjIgI/AAAAAAAAAm0/DGx0sQiQRKE/s320/IMG_8402.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Mix In Ideas</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No pudge brownies, cut into bits ( We may have done this one night, it may have been divine)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fresh berries</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mini Peanut Butter cups</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mini Raspberry filled cups<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
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</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-3544849530736592842010-06-07T23:50:00.003-04:002010-06-11T09:28:53.088-04:00Zucchini Bread<div style="text-align: center;">I searched for a zucchini bread recipe for years that would satisfy a childhood memory. I found it.</div><br />
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Growing up near the ocean, and near fields, my childhood was spent exploring nature, blowing bubbles, hiking in nearby nature sanctuaries. I now realize how lucky I was. I spent many days walking across the field from my house to my best friend's house. One of those days we went for a walk with her Mom, and her Mom brought Zucchini Bread spread with cream cheese for our snack.<br />
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I have THAT particular zucchini bread in my brain as the best ever. I've made quite a few recipes trying to replicate it, but was always left with something less than the dream.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA24D0pKFII/AAAAAAAAAjE/iuj82B1jxeI/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA24D0pKFII/AAAAAAAAAjE/iuj82B1jxeI/s320/IMG_8245.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Five years ago, I ripped out a page in Cook's Country Magazine that claimed to be the recipe that "Rescued Zucchini Bread"...they were right.<br />
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I've been holding on to this recipe for 5 years, shuffling it back and forth, forgetting I have it until I'm looking for some other recipe, then saying, "oh I have to remember to try that" only to forget it again. Well, I found a big bunch of zucchini on sale, and I finally remembered. It's a fantastic recipe. It came out SO well, and I am thrilled to share it with you.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26GXm8ZdI/AAAAAAAAAj0/FPqgvxHfsXQ/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26GXm8ZdI/AAAAAAAAAj0/FPqgvxHfsXQ/s320/IMG_8188.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fun 'trick' of the recipe is to wring out the zucchini, once shredded, in a towel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26boWckrI/AAAAAAAAAj8/M2Uk8mbAXus/s1600/IMG_8190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26boWckrI/AAAAAAAAAj8/M2Uk8mbAXus/s320/IMG_8190.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Holy fun. Green zucchini juice!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26kxuwJ9I/AAAAAAAAAkM/JxuivCG4N00/s1600/IMG_8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA26kxuwJ9I/AAAAAAAAAkM/JxuivCG4N00/s320/IMG_8199.JPG" /></a></div>My husband actually took a sip and suggested it wouldn't be bad with ice cubes...oh really?? So of course I take a sip, and it was the most disgusting thing I've drank in awhile! Do not be tempted by the green watery goodness!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA269_HzApI/AAAAAAAAAkU/bxwRmGMD1F8/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA269_HzApI/AAAAAAAAAkU/bxwRmGMD1F8/s320/IMG_8204.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This recipe also doesn't call for the usual crushed pineapple found in many recipes, which was a little unnerving, but I didn't miss it at all. The yogurt really lends the exact amount of moistness that is needed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA27g1xukBI/AAAAAAAAAkk/YSjMotYMw_0/s1600/IMG_8180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TA27g1xukBI/AAAAAAAAAkk/YSjMotYMw_0/s320/IMG_8180.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I also tried out my new Vietnamese cinnamon from <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/">Penzey's Spices</a>. It is the best cinnamon I've ever had. The cinnamon didn't overpower the bread, it lent a fully developed, rounded flavor that really brought the entirety of the bread to a whole other level. Regular cinnamon of course can be used, but it was the first time I've really noticed what a difference a phenomenal spice can make in a baked good.<br />
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</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Zucchini Bread</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adapted from Cook's Country Magazine August/September 2005</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><i>Preheat Oven to 375 degrees and move rack to middle position</i><br />
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<i>Star Ingredient</i><br />
1 pound zucchini (approximately 4 small zucchini or 3 medium or 2 large...you get the idea)<br />
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<i>Dry ingredients</i><br />
2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon ground allspice<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
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<i>Wet Ingredients</i><br />
1/4 cup plain yogurt<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 Tbs lemon juice<br />
6 Tbsp unsalted butter melted AND cooled.<br />
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Prepare zucchini: Using a box grater, shred zucchini and place on a clean tea towel or dish towel. Make sure it isn't one of your good towels! Using the towel as a sieve, squeeze as much water as possible out of the shredded zucchini. Set aside.<br />
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Prepare Pan: Liberally spray a 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray (this recipe makes a perfect loaf in this size pan)<br />
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Mix Flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.<br />
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In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, sugar, lemon juice and butter until just combined.<br />
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Gently fold yogurt mixture and zucchini into flour mixture until combined.<br />
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Pour batter into pan.<br />
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Bake 45-55 minutes until top is nice, golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
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Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on wire rack for 1 hour.<br />
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Once cool, bread can be kept in plastic wrap for 3 or more days.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Have you ever tried to replicate a recipe from your childhood? Did it meet your expectations?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-67967015166633482772010-05-31T23:12:00.001-04:002010-06-04T10:39:51.064-04:00Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARqtkRq2TI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Nw4W_9YzdNI/s1600/IMG_8251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARqtkRq2TI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Nw4W_9YzdNI/s320/IMG_8251.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Need a dessert? Need a dessert for a BBQ without having to use plates or utensils? This is the dessert for you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrQW3eVII/AAAAAAAAAhc/AofIbeyPnuw/s1600/IMG_8249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrQW3eVII/AAAAAAAAAhc/AofIbeyPnuw/s320/IMG_8249.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made these this weekend for a BBQ, and they were a big hit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TAR5qFo_MrI/AAAAAAAAAiM/1S229qknxEg/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TAR5qFo_MrI/AAAAAAAAAiM/1S229qknxEg/s320/IMG_8250.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The night before the BBQ I made a batch of my <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/05/mint-oreo-cookie-ice-cream.html">mint oreo cookie ice cream</a>, but instead of crushed Oreos I used 1 cup of chopped bittersweet chocolate. I buy Bakers since I can find it at my grocery store, but use any sort of bar chocolate you like as long as you can chop it. This isn't too expensive, and the bittersweet works very well for this ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARs_ogwAQI/AAAAAAAAAh8/xXkxFLRvIJg/s1600/IMG_7819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARs_ogwAQI/AAAAAAAAAh8/xXkxFLRvIJg/s320/IMG_7819.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mint chocolate chip ice cream fabulousity. When you chop the chocolate you get little shards of chocolate throughout the ice cream that lends a nice texture, without having to use chocolate chips. Obviously you can use chips if you want to, but I really prefer the chopped chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARziujW2kI/AAAAAAAAAiE/qDdZPmU7TBs/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARziujW2kI/AAAAAAAAAiE/qDdZPmU7TBs/s320/IMG_8233.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this the night before so it could freeze to a solid enough consistency to assemble the ice cream cookie sandwiches the next day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning I made chocolate chocolate chunk cookies and chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. You want to make the cookies far enough in advance so that you can assemble the cookie sandwiches and have them set up hard before you serve them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cool the cookies completely before assembling your cookie sandwiches, or you will have a soupy mess!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrjUt0qkI/AAAAAAAAAhs/KFjNrIX8LDM/s1600/IMG_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrjUt0qkI/AAAAAAAAAhs/KFjNrIX8LDM/s320/IMG_8252.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If your ice cream is extremely hard set (if you use store bought for instance (gasp!)) you might want to let it sit out just for a few minutes to slightly soften, but not too much, otherwise you won't be able to make the sandwiches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARsKnncA9I/AAAAAAAAAh0/o4YGFgk5Tv0/s1600/IMG_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARsKnncA9I/AAAAAAAAAh0/o4YGFgk5Tv0/s320/IMG_8257.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chose to use homemade ice cream and made the cookies from a mix (I know, sometimes you have to choose your battles). If you're short on time, make homemade cookies and use store bought ice cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun and enjoy these little handfuls of summer fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrbr_eAFI/AAAAAAAAAhk/v6R3H219ZVw/s1600/IMG_8247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/TARrbr_eAFI/AAAAAAAAAhk/v6R3H219ZVw/s320/IMG_8247.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-34080828559268513912010-05-25T23:24:00.003-04:002010-05-28T12:30:24.193-04:00Cornbread and Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Have you ever seen the cast iron cornbread molds shaped like corn on the cob? My Mom bought one at Brimfield last week and made cornbread for my birthday breakfast this past weekend. So fun.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yJwOoTu1I/AAAAAAAAAfE/lyUur8Lp68Y/s1600/IMG_8107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yJwOoTu1I/AAAAAAAAAfE/lyUur8Lp68Y/s320/IMG_8107.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Cornbread Recipe? Ummm, (Shhh....it was a mix...but oh so good!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yJogcx2aI/AAAAAAAAAe0/NywyKdhMrUk/s1600/IMG_8103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yJogcx2aI/AAAAAAAAAe0/NywyKdhMrUk/s320/IMG_8103.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yKsEPrH8I/AAAAAAAAAfM/Nj3g39udJlU/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yKsEPrH8I/AAAAAAAAAfM/Nj3g39udJlU/s320/IMG_8101.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Birthday breakfast also included some JohnnyCakes....a RI special. In all honesty I had never made them before, but got a fun mix for my birthday. They didn't seem exactly like I remember them, but they still tasted pretty good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNVTOXg8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/6L2qwuaPz7E/s1600/IMG_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNVTOXg8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/6L2qwuaPz7E/s320/IMG_8098.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">JonnyCakes using Carpenter's RI Jonnycake Meal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Modified recipe from back of bag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup JonnyCake Meal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Tbsp sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup boiling water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3-4 Tbsp milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNe-SWn9I/AAAAAAAAAf8/y3kk6_hlnPE/s1600/IMG_8112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNe-SWn9I/AAAAAAAAAf8/y3kk6_hlnPE/s320/IMG_8112.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix cornmeal, sugar and salt,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add boiling water and stir well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add milk, and stir until the mixture is of a thin consistency, similar to very thin mashed potatoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I used about 4 times the amount of milk called for to get the right consistency)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNjvb7H1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/XAVrP2zF09A/s1600/IMG_8119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNjvb7H1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/XAVrP2zF09A/s320/IMG_8119.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grease griddle with 1Tbsp of margarine or oil, and wipe most residue off of pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat pan over medium-high heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(My trick: Pan is ready when a drop of water 'dances' on the pan. Works great for pancakes!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drop by spoonful onto medium-hot pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cook until nicely browned on each side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNpIaJXGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/kjXE0XW_nOk/s1600/IMG_8125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNpIaJXGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/kjXE0XW_nOk/s320/IMG_8125.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can eat with some butter smeared on top, even a sprinkling of salt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNtcjhFAI/AAAAAAAAAgU/FMV7xxxj4Ro/s1600/IMG_8128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNtcjhFAI/AAAAAAAAAgU/FMV7xxxj4Ro/s320/IMG_8128.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can't see the butter dripping down my arm here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Syrup also tastes really wonderful on these Johnnycakes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNu8Z-cAI/AAAAAAAAAgc/5juq_q23oqs/s1600/IMG_8147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNu8Z-cAI/AAAAAAAAAgc/5juq_q23oqs/s320/IMG_8147.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out my birthday presents! New cookie sheet, and the two David Lebovitz' books I've been dying to have! Hello Ice cream!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNx4ovMxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/3i5Wsop6kPc/s1600/IMG_8153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yNx4ovMxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/3i5Wsop6kPc/s320/IMG_8153.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">OK, so this is simply a picture of my favorite thing to eat on my birthday! FRESH Jax, and Grape Kool-Aid with crushed ice...seriously..best. thing. ever. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_ySFjBqeAI/AAAAAAAAAg0/YP7657UEVQc/s1600/IMG_8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_ySFjBqeAI/AAAAAAAAAg0/YP7657UEVQc/s320/IMG_8154.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really was a very nice birthday spent with my wonderful husband and family. Thank you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yN0uzdBJI/AAAAAAAAAgs/KIBxmJFT31g/s1600/IMG_8171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yN0uzdBJI/AAAAAAAAAgs/KIBxmJFT31g/s320/IMG_8171.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh did I forget to mention the homemade vanilla cake with blackberry jam my Mom whipped up for me?! OMYUM.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yUCZKUQ_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/14OinVY3F-I/s1600/IMG_8134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_yUCZKUQ_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/14OinVY3F-I/s320/IMG_8134.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-43222253621742350262010-05-17T22:35:00.000-04:002010-05-17T22:35:12.161-04:00Brimfield Antique Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hv-XmABJI/AAAAAAAAAck/qHW3QBcbbek/s1600/IMG_7906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hv-XmABJI/AAAAAAAAAck/qHW3QBcbbek/s320/IMG_7906.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Brimfield! I finally went! OK, what on Earth is Brimfield you're asking? Well, it's one of the largest antique fairs in the country. It happens three times a year, May, July and September. Brimfield is a town about an hour and a half West of Boston, and with lots of fields and open spaces, Brimfield is on the map due to this unreal exposition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_HyrbNVzjI/AAAAAAAAAcs/mn9zZPHSVP4/s1600/IMG_7894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_HyrbNVzjI/AAAAAAAAAcs/mn9zZPHSVP4/s320/IMG_7894.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So knowing how overwhelming this amount of STUFF might be, I went in with a plan and some goals of what I wanted to look for.....bakeware and chocolate molds of course!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_HywaS925I/AAAAAAAAAc0/1gw5q-TfjUM/s1600/IMG_7898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_HywaS925I/AAAAAAAAAc0/1gw5q-TfjUM/s320/IMG_7898.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was great having something specific in mind going into something this HUGE! It was SO MUCH FUN! Ok, enough with the all capital letters....ahem..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hy-fo6lMI/AAAAAAAAAc8/9k5J04w0JI4/s1600/IMG_7897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hy-fo6lMI/AAAAAAAAAc8/9k5J04w0JI4/s320/IMG_7897.jpg" /></a></div><br />
These choocolate molds were amazing! They were in fantastic shape, and just beautiful. I loved the cat sticking out its tongue, and the lobsters were my favorite! Seeing how the least expensive mold was $200, I settled for some pictures :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hzvt-nQeI/AAAAAAAAAdE/9Lo7pH1bRSE/s1600/IMG_7899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_Hzvt-nQeI/AAAAAAAAAdE/9Lo7pH1bRSE/s320/IMG_7899.JPG" /></a></div><br />
There are hundreds and hundreds of vendors that travel from all over the country to go to Brimfield. What results is a phenomenal collection of collectors! Looking for an odd piece of Pyrex?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H1AMUmaFI/AAAAAAAAAdM/FKKLv_I1h4w/s1600/IMG_7907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H1AMUmaFI/AAAAAAAAAdM/FKKLv_I1h4w/s320/IMG_7907.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a rare tea tin to complete your collection?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H1jRwV1EI/AAAAAAAAAdU/F4ehFYrJHMg/s1600/IMG_7895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H1jRwV1EI/AAAAAAAAAdU/F4ehFYrJHMg/s320/IMG_7895.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H16ntcD3I/AAAAAAAAAdc/ls9bF0FZTm0/s1600/IMG_7896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H16ntcD3I/AAAAAAAAAdc/ls9bF0FZTm0/s320/IMG_7896.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So after walking around and seeing hundreds of vendors, what did I buy? Check it out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H2WiKGp4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/RWBlEoBD74U/s1600/IMG_8081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H2WiKGp4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/RWBlEoBD74U/s320/IMG_8081.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this vintage tablecloth, I have a thing for them and I just love this one! The little scenes are very 1950s-1960s. You can see the three little teapots, the golf cart and flowers, and the lamp with flowers. I love it. You can also see the red white and blue bracelet I bought in this picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H3Ree1jwI/AAAAAAAAAd0/eCHqSoM4Xec/s1600/IMG_8097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H3Ree1jwI/AAAAAAAAAd0/eCHqSoM4Xec/s320/IMG_8097.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you say molds!? Ok, so they aren't chocolate molds, but I absolutely adore them. My Mom has similar molds that we used to use to make jell-o, but I have some fun plans for these babies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H3w2Ss8AI/AAAAAAAAAd8/GNHqwlbBiwg/s1600/IMG_8089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H3w2Ss8AI/AAAAAAAAAd8/GNHqwlbBiwg/s320/IMG_8089.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The little gold frames are for some of my oil paintings, I've been looking for small, ornate gold frames and was thrilled to finally find these! Once I have time to paint again, I can't wait to use them.<br />
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(Never start a sentence with "And", but...) AND, do you see my new Madeleine pan!? $3.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Oh and how much do you love the little cross-stitch baker?!</div><br />
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Also in the mix, an old Pepsi advertising crate, which is perfect for my canvases and painting supplies.<br />
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I also took home two difference pieces of pyrex. If you haven't cooked with Pyrex, seriously, try it out. It can make your life and cooking easier.<br />
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Your next chance to experience Brimfield, is July, so bring your sunscreen, leave early, and wear your walking shoes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H7T6z2ofI/AAAAAAAAAes/o2hJ4Zs548E/s1600/IMG_7902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S_H7T6z2ofI/AAAAAAAAAes/o2hJ4Zs548E/s320/IMG_7902.JPG" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-26535643669063231402010-05-09T20:14:00.000-04:002010-05-09T20:14:00.730-04:00Happy Mother's Day!Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and motherly figures out there who *LOVE* so much, in every sense of the word.<br />
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Mom and Grandma came up today, and I made them both brunch, and had a blast setting the table and using all of our fun dishes we got for our wedding.<br />
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I bought some early, gorgeous peonies at <a href="http://www.russos.com/">Russo's</a> in Watertown, MA. They have gorgeous fresh fruits and veggies, and had some beautiful flowers.<br />
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My husband and I also made a run over to Sur La Table yesterday and I found the nicest little flower molds! Time for sugar flowers! I did the same technique as for the <a href="http://grape-sugar.blogspot.com/2010/04/got-sugar.html">sugar bunnies</a> I made for Easter this year, except I played with using two or more colors in each mold. I LOVED how they came out. They are so fun!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also tried out the new pan I bought yesterday, a mini-donut pan! SO fun!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I made the basic recipe that was on the back of package which was very easy, and then I made a simple glaze of confectioner's sugar and milk they also mentioned on the back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S-dLFRvO3-I/AAAAAAAAAbM/Oakj2fRmDI8/s1600/IMG_8068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S-dLFRvO3-I/AAAAAAAAAbM/Oakj2fRmDI8/s320/IMG_8068.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I modified another batch of glaze with lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for lemon glazed donuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another batch was chocolate for the husband.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S-dK3NkhoQI/AAAAAAAAAas/j_HC1V3t9hU/s1600/IMG_8074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S-dK3NkhoQI/AAAAAAAAAas/j_HC1V3t9hU/s320/IMG_8074.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They were a big hit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After filling our bellies, we went to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and had a super nice afternoon walking around and soaking in all the great art. So lucky to live so close to so many great museums!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, in case you didn't hear, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-87668427779315125282010-05-03T23:18:00.001-04:002010-05-07T10:54:47.423-04:00Mint Oreo Cookie Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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Should I admit how many times I've made this particular ice cream in the last two weeks? No, I'll keep that to myself, but I will say it's more than 2 but less than 4.<br />
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If you have an ice cream maker, this is one of the best things you can make in it. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you should go get one, soon. :)<br />
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I have a KitchenAid ice cream attachment, and I love it. We have a small kitchen, so instead of having to store an additional appliance, I can keep the bowl in the freezer and it's ready at a moment's notice! It's dangerous, in a very good way.<br />
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I modified a basic ice cream recipe I found online about two years ago, and it. is. fabulous.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Mint Oreo Cookie Ice Cream</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups Heavy Cream</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups 1% milk (You can use 2% or whole milk for even creamier ice cream)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp peppermint extract</div><div style="text-align: left;">4-6 drops of green food coloring (optional)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup of crushed Oreos (about 6-8 cookies)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-I5KIQ3-I/AAAAAAAAAX0/Nr1xfjk4r9g/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-I5KIQ3-I/AAAAAAAAAX0/Nr1xfjk4r9g/s320/IMG_8027.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the hard part: Mix everything but the cookies in a large bowl with a whisk. Pour mixture into your ice cream machine and run per it's directions. See, hard right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mine usually spins for about 20 minutes, but I keep an eye on it. Once it's doubled in volume and looks like soft serve, I dump in the cookies! It's the most exciting part!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-IzoorSsI/AAAAAAAAAXs/7wnvsCdi7r4/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-IzoorSsI/AAAAAAAAAXs/7wnvsCdi7r4/s320/IMG_7833.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, scoop it all out into a tupperware container. I've used multiple different types, it really doesn't matter which you use, whatever you have on hand. For fun, drop some additional crushed cookies onto the top and freeze until set. To set fully, it usually is best to freeze overnight. However, if you're anything like this ice cream lovin' household, after an hour or so, it'll be fairly set around the edges, and you can definitely make a bowl of it :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-QGO6Rn5I/AAAAAAAAAZM/iF5ml7S3-kU/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-QGO6Rn5I/AAAAAAAAAZM/iF5ml7S3-kU/s320/IMG_8049.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I used to make this without the green food coloring, but lately, I just love the green color. Reminds me of my favorite drink from the 1970's, the Grasshopper. Seriously, my favorite. No, I wasn't really arround in the 70s...only as a baby in the LATE 70s. But still, I love that drink, and this ice cream is the perfect non-alcoholic version.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You may have noticed it's eggless...yes, it's true. No eggs. I'm too impatient for my ice cream at this point with the whole eggs in ice cream thing (i.e. custard). So maybe someday, but I have to be in the mood. Convince me otherwise?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So enjoy this wonderful eggless ice cream! I have many variations, which I will blog about later, but think of this as the base recipe.</div><div style="text-align: left;">OMYum.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-QI70rJBI/AAAAAAAAAZU/_0IMYiEobxM/s1600/IMG_8042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S9-QI70rJBI/AAAAAAAAAZU/_0IMYiEobxM/s320/IMG_8042.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/"><img border="0" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" /></a>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-55503662426484327342010-04-25T22:05:00.007-04:002010-04-30T13:42:51.218-04:00April FlowersI've been a little distracted, by what? Flowers. Really? Flowers? Yes, seriously, flowers.<br />
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Last week I took a chocolate making class, I had a lot of fun, but it wasn't spectacular. I felt like we were just given a chocolate recipe and told to go make it. I could do that at home...I do, do that at home. It was fun to meet some new people and play with all the industrial equipment, that was awesome. I couldn't take pictures, but I did make white chocolate mimosa truffles. Would I make them again? Maybe...I probably would leave out the champagne though.<br />
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The day BEFORE my chocolate class, I did one of my most favorite things to do. I went through Boston Public Garden and took pictures of everything in full bloom.<br />
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There are a special few days, a week if you're lucky, where all of the flowering trees, and all of the tulips are at their true peak.<br />
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Almost every year for more than the last 10 years I've taken pictures of all the blooms in their glory.<br />
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I have so many pictures of tulips, flowering cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, they should last me a lifetime.<br />
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Yet, I still go down, because the act of doing it fill me with joy. It's such a special, short lived moment, to catch it at that right moment is a gift. There have been a few years, where it rained seemingly for weeks on end, or work just took a priority and I couldn't get there before dark fell. The years that I do make it, it's a thrill and I do consider it a gift.<br />
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I took these pictures a week ago. The flowers are still out, I walked past them yesterday and today, but they really are just passed their prime. Still beautiful, but the tulips are just a little too open, and many of the cherry trees have wept their petals.<br />
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So baking, and sugar has taken a bit of a back seat in my mind, as I enjoy the flowers of the city.<br />
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Although I did make a killer batch of mint oreo cookie ice cream...but that's another blog post.<br />
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{This is what I'm loving right now, what about you? Go check out TidyMom's blog to see what she and many other Bloggers are Lovin' today! You can also add your own link to share exactly what you're lovin' today!}<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nwM7pDdgI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_pFFaPpKtdM/s1600/IMG_7824_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nwM7pDdgI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_pFFaPpKtdM/s200/IMG_7824_2.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-77744087111033150042010-04-17T12:22:00.000-04:002010-04-17T12:22:06.031-04:00King Arthur Flour Baking Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVUqGOxGI/AAAAAAAAATc/iZrmD2pEBNU/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVUqGOxGI/AAAAAAAAATc/iZrmD2pEBNU/s320/IMG_7912.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
It's been so long! I've been holding off on writing, a) because I had an insanely busy week at work and b) because I was waiting to get MY NEW MACBOOK!!! YAY! It comes next week though, and I can't wait anymore to tell you about our adventure last weekend.<br />
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My husband was nice enough to indulge me and drive 2 hours up to Vermont to the King Arthur Flour Baking Store! I love their catalogue, it always makes me want to jump up and bake, and I've always wanted to go to the store. Mission accomplished!<br />
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It was fun to take an impromptu road trip and just relax after a long, hard work week!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUcpxvrdI/AAAAAAAAARk/VrWnscaZtWo/s1600/IMG_7880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUcpxvrdI/AAAAAAAAARk/VrWnscaZtWo/s320/IMG_7880.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two hours later, we made it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUg71MZuI/AAAAAAAAARs/3WCf10Q2DJY/s1600/IMG_7881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUg71MZuI/AAAAAAAAARs/3WCf10Q2DJY/s320/IMG_7881.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div> The store was a little smaller than I expected, but definitely did not disappoint. I have never seen so many different types of flour in my life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUoJoyQkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/X7x4YlI5W5I/s1600/IMG_7889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUoJoyQkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/X7x4YlI5W5I/s320/IMG_7889.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div> French Flour? Oui Oui! Of course I bought some, expect a French Baguette post sometime in the future. Lord help me with that one.<br />
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Grains anyone? I also bought a packet of "Everything Seasoning" like what you would put on everything bagels...yum. I don't see myself trying to make bagels anytime soon but I thought it would be great on some homemade bread, no? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUlPKkbaI/AAAAAAAAAR0/SXhKXUufBfU/s1600/IMG_7888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nUlPKkbaI/AAAAAAAAAR0/SXhKXUufBfU/s320/IMG_7888.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8naH3wRJcI/AAAAAAAAAT0/m7STSH0bMXE/s1600/IMG_7891_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8naH3wRJcI/AAAAAAAAAT0/m7STSH0bMXE/s320/IMG_7891_2.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>They had fabulous mixes, any baking supply you could possibly need (including meringue powder!), samples, and a cafe with fabulous smells. It was late afternoon when we were there, so the case was a little empty, AND a family in front of us bought the last of the eclairs! :(<br />
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Have you ever seen a rolling pin this big? I know some cookie blog friends who could make some serious batches of sugar cookies with this big momma!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVHuNMGVI/AAAAAAAAATE/LgFap0poVdM/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVHuNMGVI/AAAAAAAAATE/LgFap0poVdM/s320/IMG_7908.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved looking up while in the store, lots of fun little vignettes of baking items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Talk about a serious apron, this was made out of heavy cotton. A 'real' chef/baker in his working whites bought one while I was there. I'll stick to the frilly ones my Grandma made for me for now :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nU0OfcpTI/AAAAAAAAASc/oYrK4JJcK40/s1600/IMG_7895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nU0OfcpTI/AAAAAAAAASc/oYrK4JJcK40/s320/IMG_7895.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What else did I buy? An angel food cake slicer which looks like a long pitch fork, meringue powder, a 'bake' t-shirt, portuguese sweet bread mix (MASA!!), scone mixes, some flavor extracts and some chocolate sticks to make pain au chocolates with! Chocolate croissants here I come!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried the Cran-raspberry white chocolate scone mix the next morning! So easy and so yum! I really want to make my own now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVfEToQHI/AAAAAAAAATs/_JEvI0te2zc/s1600/IMG_7920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVfEToQHI/AAAAAAAAATs/_JEvI0te2zc/s320/IMG_7920.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, it was a great day, and if you're in the area, definitely stop by! At least sign up for their catalogue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was such a happy camper !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVLsKqRxI/AAAAAAAAATM/grakZJ9yU7Y/s1600/IMG_7910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S8nVLsKqRxI/AAAAAAAAATM/grakZJ9yU7Y/s320/IMG_7910.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-83173221538287582402010-04-03T10:40:00.000-04:002010-04-03T10:40:02.261-04:00Got Sugar?Happy Easter!<br />
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</div>Have you ever made your own sugar cubes? What about your own sugar bunnies?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got Sugar? Got candy molds?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So easy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S7dP-xdb5UI/AAAAAAAAAPY/NzYxOKGdfXg/s1600/IMG_7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S7dP-xdb5UI/AAAAAAAAAPY/NzYxOKGdfXg/s320/IMG_7873.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a small amount of sugar in a small bowl, sprinkle some water on the sugar...literally just sprinkle! Start to mix together until you have the consistency of damp sand. Add one DROP of food coloring and mix all together with your hands. Press into your candy molds, and let dry! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S7dScmUdx4I/AAAAAAAAAQw/4UEOzWU0_5I/s1600/IMG_7857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S7dScmUdx4I/AAAAAAAAAQw/4UEOzWU0_5I/s320/IMG_7857.JPG" /></a></div><br />
My Grandmother has been doing this for years. It makes such a fun little addition to your Easter morning tea or coffee. Truth by told, they taste pretty good as little snacks too. :)<br />
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Happy Easter to you and yours!!GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-54250202949142402010-03-27T14:19:00.002-04:002010-03-27T14:24:57.030-04:00First Week of Spring!What's the best part of Spring? Daffodils, bunnies, tree buds, birds...NO! Free Water Ice!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65Hibeu2SI/AAAAAAAAAM4/TUlgSxCzj5Y/s1600/IMG_7713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65Hibeu2SI/AAAAAAAAAM4/TUlgSxCzj5Y/s320/IMG_7713.JPG" /></a></div>Up here in New England, we'd call it a Slush, but down in the Philly area, it's water ice...and it's FREE on the first day of Spring! What you see in the picture is Florida Orange Water Ice on the top, and on the bottom, unseen, is PEEPS flavor! It's bright yellow, and tastes like a marshamallow peep. It was fantastic, and my tongue and lips were bright yellow for most of the day. <br />
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I was going to write a post about the rest of our great first day of Spring, but....it's been a busy week, so I thought I'd share some of the springy things that have been going on. The first day of Spring was spent at the in-laws in Delaware...somewhere I never imagined spending a lot of time, but it sure is nice to get a little weather that's warmer than Boston this time of year. That's what we got last Saturday, WARM! It was great.<br />
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We took Bella for a walk, (my in-laws dog...we have Pepper the Devil Kitty), to see some flowers<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Played with the nephews and some chalk on the driveway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65HHLtLuNI/AAAAAAAAAMo/kGo87Ro-efM/s1600/IMG_7748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65HHLtLuNI/AAAAAAAAAMo/kGo87Ro-efM/s320/IMG_7748.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And then we did the best thing of all...my most favorite part of the day...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65Hk6qrbWI/AAAAAAAAANA/AKj61P2DQd4/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65Hk6qrbWI/AAAAAAAAANA/AKj61P2DQd4/s320/IMG_7714.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Oh wait, we all ready talked about that didn't we?<br />
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Yesterday I was able to leave work a little early, and take a nice walk over to the Seaport area to go check out the flower show.<br />
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On the way, this guy was sleeping in a window as I walked by<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found some evidence of Spring in Boston!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( Can you believe it was snowing this morning?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The flower show was great, I could look at flowers all day long...really I could.<br />
<div align="center">Camillas. They look like Origami</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KFFdLhBI/AAAAAAAAANY/N2X4TxoyvaA/s1600/IMG_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KFFdLhBI/AAAAAAAAANY/N2X4TxoyvaA/s320/IMG_7780.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KHpGHD9I/AAAAAAAAANg/6nb2nKUDyX4/s1600/IMG_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KHpGHD9I/AAAAAAAAANg/6nb2nKUDyX4/s320/IMG_7781.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My beloved Peony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KfCkUDaI/AAAAAAAAANw/LDhHPub7fHU/s1600/IMG_7762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KfCkUDaI/AAAAAAAAANw/LDhHPub7fHU/s320/IMG_7762.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KqYbsM3I/AAAAAAAAAN4/Gg2DY2ogkCU/s1600/IMG_7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S65KqYbsM3I/AAAAAAAAAN4/Gg2DY2ogkCU/s320/IMG_7789.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Spring!!</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-52875817492852251992010-03-17T20:34:00.002-04:002010-03-27T14:26:30.720-04:00Irish PotatoesHappy St. Patty's Night!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I came home from work today with wonderful smells of dinner coming from the kitchen, and a little corner of a little chaos :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuqIwy2xI/AAAAAAAAALw/G3jYEA03DoU/s1600-h/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuqIwy2xI/AAAAAAAAALw/G3jYEA03DoU/s320/IMG_7729.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Irish Potato Night!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Note the beer and Homer mug :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuhvfntVI/AAAAAAAAALQ/DZoSGmch2JU/s1600-h/IMG_7742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuhvfntVI/AAAAAAAAALQ/DZoSGmch2JU/s320/IMG_7742.JPG" /></a></div>I had never heard of "Irish Potatoes" until 2 years ago when my husband was busy in the kitchen making them. I had no idea they weren't real potatoes! I thought he was baking actual potatoes until he showed me the final product.<br />
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These are basically little balls of frosting and coconut rolled in cinnamon. Hello! Yum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FusIIWAAI/AAAAAAAAAL4/plrdcVT20V8/s1600-h/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FusIIWAAI/AAAAAAAAAL4/plrdcVT20V8/s320/IMG_7732.JPG" /></a></div><ul><li>1/4 cup softened butter</li>
<li>4 oz light cream cheese</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>16oz confectioners sugar</li>
<li>7 oz sweetened flaked coconut</li>
<li>Cinnamon</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">Cream together butter and sugar.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add sugar and vanilla and beat until combined. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Stir in coconut with a spoon.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(This parts take a little elbow grease!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuwfJRowI/AAAAAAAAAMA/ujVNJ3byCpw/s1600-h/IMG_7734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6FuwfJRowI/AAAAAAAAAMA/ujVNJ3byCpw/s320/IMG_7734.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take an amount of the mixture, less than half of a golf ball, and roll imperfectly in your palms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then roll each little ball in a bowl of cinnamon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reserve the last 1 cup or so of mixture, and mix in a few drops of green food coloring.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make into small balls and roll in the cinnamon.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They look like mini potatoes! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fuk3hKQDI/AAAAAAAAALY/WtrtKTy0rP8/s1600-h/IMG_7743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fuk3hKQDI/AAAAAAAAALY/WtrtKTy0rP8/s320/IMG_7743.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The idea is only a few, special "potatoes" have been touched by a leprechaun! This is especially fun with kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fumlg4uBI/AAAAAAAAALg/T9fc55mii_0/s1600-h/IMG_7744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fumlg4uBI/AAAAAAAAALg/T9fc55mii_0/s320/IMG_7744.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Oh, and Refrigerate!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cracked myself up with this one, baked potato anyone?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fu59_DVvI/AAAAAAAAAMY/FU_38HkEqLk/s1600-h/IMG_7738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6Fu59_DVvI/AAAAAAAAAMY/FU_38HkEqLk/s320/IMG_7738.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-85740789046070907912010-03-16T23:17:00.001-04:002010-03-27T14:26:57.488-04:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHSTUeGAI/AAAAAAAAAKA/v1hOikA7d64/s1600-h/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHSTUeGAI/AAAAAAAAAKA/v1hOikA7d64/s320/IMG_7727.JPG" /></a></div>So this weekend my husband and I had every intention to go to my hometown to see the St. Patty's Day Parade, a sort of 'big deal' for a 'small' town, but since we were having the monsoon of the century up here in New England, we just hung out with my Mom instead. We had some great corned beef and cabbage, yum!, and of course we had to make green beer! If you haven't done this, and you are even the slightest bit Irish, or have ever pretended to be Irish, or even just like the color green, you have to make green beer! It's so fun and ridiculously easy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BH_2DCDzI/AAAAAAAAAK4/VpM8jgWxEEA/s1600-h/IMG_7724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BH_2DCDzI/AAAAAAAAAK4/VpM8jgWxEEA/s320/IMG_7724.JPG" /></a></div><br />
You need to buy a light beer, Bud Light works, but I much prefer Sam Adams Light (if you can get it in your neck of the woods). As long as it is lighter in color though, get what you like to drink!<br />
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Frost some pint glasses or whatever type of glass you have handy by placing them in the freezer for at least an hour. This is optional of course! :) A frosty glass is just fun, not necessary!<br />
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Pour your light beer into the glass. Put one drop of food green food coloring into your beer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHaJYcXTI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/jZzHXioXVhk/s1600-h/IMG_7722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHaJYcXTI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/jZzHXioXVhk/s320/IMG_7722.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You can watch the green clouds do their thing:</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHWDBYxEI/AAAAAAAAAKI/WID-b6F3rZ4/s1600-h/IMG_7723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHWDBYxEI/AAAAAAAAAKI/WID-b6F3rZ4/s320/IMG_7723.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">or just give a quick stir.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHmNx6Y-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/KH88YbGH5aU/s1600-h/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHmNx6Y-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/KH88YbGH5aU/s320/IMG_7726.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Voila! Green Beer! </div><br />
Also, after the Monsoon...and sort of during the second day of the unreal weather, we went down to the beach to look for goodies the ocean brought up.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The thrashing waves were amazing </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHhzPf1xI/AAAAAAAAAKg/6XsjsKFHm3w/s1600-h/IMG_7718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHhzPf1xI/AAAAAAAAAKg/6XsjsKFHm3w/s320/IMG_7718.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">...and the seagulls were living it up! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHeGzpX1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/jUbhNOWvwxA/s1600-h/IMG_7715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S6BHeGzpX1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/jUbhNOWvwxA/s320/IMG_7715.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">May the luck of the Irish be with you today!</div>GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693715520184014902.post-56604923380388012762010-03-11T20:33:00.001-05:002010-03-27T14:27:21.022-04:00Monster StrawberryI love strawberries. Really, I do. Especially when they are fresh off the plant, juicy, little, bright, red, warm from the sun...they are the best!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S5mZSuGjw5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/0ZNe87-h0-s/s1600-h/IMG_7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S5mZSuGjw5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/0ZNe87-h0-s/s320/IMG_7675.JPG" /></a></div>Of course it's March, and we have some cold, rainy days to get through before we can even think about a strawberry picking day, but I had to share this particular strawberry! It's a monster!<br />
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My Mom came to visit this weekend and brought some really beautiful strawberries up, that were actually very good for February. In the box, this crazy monster strawberry was taking up most of the space. <br />
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I love food oddities like this!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S5mZNZeorjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/OrwPc9iEkW0/s1600-h/IMG_7674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ltfrfiq8kso/S5mZNZeorjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/OrwPc9iEkW0/s320/IMG_7674.JPG" /></a></div>I can't wait until June and homemade strawberry ice cream!GrapeSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292927231486928349noreply@blogger.com1