1. I make a mess - like dropping an entire egg on the kitchen floor.
2. I can't seem to read directions - like mistaking 3.5 cups for 3.5 ounces. who does that? oh, that's right, me. 4 grocery store trips later, we have lunch and dinner planned for a good part of the upcoming week.
for the soup, I subbed the paprika for italian seasoning since I didn't have any paprika on hand, and bought frozen cooked shrimp from trader joe's - after it defrosted, I just threw it in with the soup. I also omitted the hot sauce just because.
roasted red pepper bisque with shrimp and romano cheese (from epicurious.com)
ingredients:
- 5 large red bell peppers
- 3 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
- Hot pepper sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 large uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Preparation:
Char red bell peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and seed peppers. Cut 1 pepper into matchstick-size strips and set aside. Coarsely chop remaining 4 peppers. Combine chopped peppers and stock in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until peppers are very tender, about 5 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return puree to saucepan. Mix in paprika and sugar. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover bell pepper strips and soup separately and refrigerate.) Whisk in cream and pecorino Romano cheese. Season to taste with hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper.Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add reserved bell pepper strips and shrimp and sauté until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide shrimp mixture among 4 bowls.
Rewarm soup; ladle around shrimp mixture. Sprinkle basil over and serve.
no joke, these cookies are always a hit. a bit of a pain to make, but they are really good.
chocolate peanut butter surprise cookies (courtesy of marthastewart.com)
Ingredients
Makes about 3 1/2 dozen
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups light-brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and 1 cup light-brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully combined between each addition. Add vanilla, and beat to combine. Gradually add dry ingredients, and mix on low speed until fully combined. Remove from mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in chocolate chips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with Silpats (nonstick French baking mats) or parchment paper. In a small bowl, using a rubber spatula, stir together peanut butter and remaining 1/4 cup light-brown sugar. Using a 1 1/4-inch scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie. Fill thumbprint with 1 teaspoon peanut-butter mixture. Top with a second scoop of dough, and carefully mold dough to cover "surprise." Bake until firm, about 12 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks.
I also did some research on vietnam for our trip - I'm really drawn to this tour. not only is it a good overview of the country, but we would be doing some volunteer work as well. one of our original discussions about our upcoming trip was to do some volunteer work somewhere, so this would be perfect. hopefully the dates work.
Trek, Kayak and Lend a Hand – 11 days
Overview:
This itinerary is a perfect combination of trekking in the highlands of Sapa, kayaking amongst the stunning limestone mountains at Halong Bay, exploring the architecturally and historically rich cities of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City while also spending some time lending a hand at some Community Projects that are supported by Buffalo Tours. This trip offers a balance of cultural insights, physical activity and a community service component, set amongst some of Vietnam’s most stunning landscape scenery. From the vibrant city of Hanoi we travel by comfortable overnight train to the hillside retreat of Sapa in the country’s North, near the border of China. Sapa is home to many of North Vietnam and South West China’s minority groups and we spend the next three days on a remote trek through settlements and picturesque villages where we have time to observe the local lifestyles of these unique cultures as well as an opportunity to donate a much needed water buffalo. We also visit Hoa Binh Thanh Xuan Village where Orange Agent affected children are cared for and spend some time getting to know the children and helping out where possible. From the mountainous region of Sapa we travel East towards Halong Bay where we begin our cruise through a maze of limestone islets. The next two days is spent cruising and kayaking through the pristine emerald waters and limestone formations before returning to Hanoi. After a night enjoying local cuisine and a water puppet show, we continue south to Hue and explore its ancient citadel. We take in the picturesque World Heritage town of Hoi An and visit a nearby orphanage and charity run school for street children where we get involved in worthwhile activities to help the children. Finally we move on to Ho Chi Minh City, where our journey concludes.
I was also on a mad hunt for some travel clothes, but all I could seem to find were moo-moos that an 85 year old would wear. never fear, a few choice keywords on google later, I found this great website with a decent selection of stylish, but practical, clothes. they also donate a portion of purchases to a handful of charities - you get to decide which one. from http://www.en-day.com/, I bought the following:
kimono top with dri-release in green:
flight skirt/dress with dri-release in black and gray. it can be worn as a skirt, dress, or top - yippee!
overall, a pretty productive weekend.
