1.14.2012

Let there be FEET!


I don't know if you've ever attempted to make French macarons,


but my middle needed cookies for a school project and
(after talking him out of the fresh crepes he REALLLY wanted)
he decided on macaroons.
Macaroons are the American version and 
a completely different cookie than the French classic.


So, some experimentation was in order.
This is our second attempt...
the base bubbles are called 'feet'
and apparently, they're not a real macaron without them.
But I wouldn't have known that without scouring the internet
since I've yet to travel to France.


 The first batch is chocolate with chocolate fudge filling...again, not my idea. 
They're decadent and soft (and footless).
 But the kids at school won't judge too harshly.
{I hope}.

It turns out feet aren't just decorative...the meringue 
has a completely different texture with them...
a difference you can taste, for sure.
So, let there be 'feet'! 

For the second batch, we're playing with berry concoctions
and coloring...
blueberry, raspberry & strawberry (my fave so far).
The filling is thinner than I'd like, so more 
experimentation is needed...
But I haven't heard any of the taste testers complaining.

All my best,
Heather


PS You might have noticed the cookie has a blueish appearance----that's no accident. 

CONGRATULATIONS 
to our good friends Shelly & Ruben, 
currently awaiting the arrival 
of their little BOY!!!

1.11.2012

Playing Hooky



We are currently being spoiled by some unseasonably 
warm weather (50 degrees plus). 

*Not that I'm complaining, mind you.*

It has, however been difficult pulling myself away from the lovely sunshine 
{AND gorgeous green grass!!} 
to dig out the mess in the sewing room. 
Luckily, embroidery is portable and I'm slowly moving on the latest project.


Normally, at this time of year, we'd have a good foot of 'Lake Effect' snow 
on the ground everywhere, gray days, ice and no greenery until the spring thaw. 

I regularly obsess about retirement in a tropical location & try to make the best of 20 degrees below zero and harsh winds
that would chill you to the bones.

But not this year! We're having a
southern winter & it's delightful.
Eventually, we'll get back to what we do...
but for now, please bear with us as we 
soak up the sunshine
{and one of us, who shall remain nameless, points to some more ducks & geese}.
YIPPEE!!
It's a very rare treat to have a warm day at the lake in January.
We'll be making the most of this good fortune, 
playing hooky.

All my best,
Heather