I am always looking for a healthy lunch alternative while out and about. This week while wandering around Wicker Park in Chicago I stumbled upon the Native Foods Cafe. It was perfect. The above dish is called the Rockin’ Moroccan Bowl which consisted of fresh grilled veggies, quinoa, currants, almonds and tofu. Eat green, eat healthy. My daughters should be impressed.
My husband reads this Blog sporadically so I am betting I am safe revealing his Valentine’s Day surprise: Red Velvet Rum Cake that I made myself. The fact that I made it is the real surprise. My husband LOVES rum cake and I’m sure he is not expecting it in a heart shape. I found the cute Nordic Ware pan and a modified Red Velvet Cake recipe online. Don’t you just love Blogland? Anyway, it is sitting on one of my vintage cake stands that has a rum well which holds extra rum that the cake will absorb. This year we are skipping the fancy dinner and heading out to see the new Bruce Willis movie; Die Harder. Rum Cake today, Sports Illustrated Swim Suit edition arrived yesterday and Die Harder tonight, my husband is having a banner week. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.
Sharing with: Wow Us Wednesdays, Stone Gable
It’s time to haul out all that vintage cookware for Valentine’s Day. I have already started baking and some very lucky people should be checking their mailboxes this week.
Sharing with: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Tweak it Tuesday
Who knew a trip to Elkhorn would result in a cooking lesson? As I walked around the flea market, an elderly gentlemen passed me and said, “you’re going to make Madeleines”. I nodded, smiled and had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. It happened several more times before I figured out it must be the pan peeking out of my bag. Finally, in one booth a young girl asked if I was going to make soaps and I said, “yes”. Again, I don’t cook, I craft. I thought this vintage pan would make lovely glycerin soaps for the holidays. Now, thanks to Google, I’m totally informed about the pastry Madeleines with their identifying shell pattern. Even though this is not an official Madeleine pan, I may just try both.
I am not a baker or a cook for that matter. Ask my family, they will readily agree. I am ever so thankful for my hairdresser’s mother. She is a baker. Actually, she is a very clever 80 plus year old who makes these absolutely adorable Rice Krispie Treat Snowman pops for the holidays. Every year I wish I had bought more. I just picked up my supply today. Hurray for Christmas!
www.dardensdelights.com
Our good friends David and Betsy Glass are taking orders for their homemade pies. I am ordering and fast! Visit their brand new web-site at www.dardensdelights.com. The family favorite here is the Darden’s Dangerously Delicious Fudge Pie and we can’t wait to see it on our table. We are also ordering and sending to a few lucky people for Christmas this year. A perfect gift. A pie with a purpose, pass it on.
