Mmmmmmmm - my delectable little bit of happiness - where have you been my whole life? After having this after dinner (dinner being Pasta Carbonara - heaven in its own right) tonight all of the questions in my life have been answered and I can die in peace. In advance, you are most sincerely welcome for sharing this with you. (This recipe is courtesy of Broders Pasta Bar, Minneapolis, MN - my most favoritist place to eat and the one restaurant responsible for restoring my hope in mankind - if everyone ate here, world peace would be within our grasp.) :) Here's the details ...
Brownies
Butter and flour 9x13" pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
4 oz. good quality unsweetened chocolate
4 oz. butter
2 tbsp fine ground espresso (instant espresso works)
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1. Melt chocolate and butter in a large bowl fitted over a pan of simmering water.
2. Stir in espresso and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Beat eggs in with a wooden spoon, one at a time.
4. Stir in salt and sugar.
5. Add flour 1/3 at a time stirring until barely blended. Do not overmix!
6. Pour into prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350° just until mixture starts to loosen from side of pan and toothpick comes out almost clean, approximately 20 minutes. Cool on rack.
Icing for Cappuccino Brownies:
1. Mix together until well blended:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2. Cover top of brownies with icing.
3. (Optional ) Melt 2 oz. semisweet chocolate (optional). Drizzle melted chocolate over icing.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sabbath
Sundays, my Sabbath days, are when I’m reminded of who I am and what I’m here for.
The noise, rush, clamor, yelling, secrets, back biting, distrust and corporate politics of the week’s workplace slowly crumble away like sand castles when Friday evening rolls around. After a few healthy hours of slow decompression the troubles of M – F dissolve, leaving me in a groggy and semi-lethargic euphoria.
Eventually the core of my existence, my spirit, my truest hope in this life, once again returns and refreshes the weary places. By Sunday afternoon I’ve been emptied enough of the worries and stresses of last week’s concerns to be able to remember again what it is I am here for. I remember who I am. I remember the Story. I remember Him who holds and sustains.
Often it seems like it takes until Sunday for me to be quiet enough to hear once again the subtle strains of the Creator’s song that reverberates through the spaces of creation. Creation need not be reminded of His ever faithful kindness, goodness, care and attention. Creation never stopped knowing. But we need reminding. Often. And He knows that. So He gave us the Sabbath. And in His giving of the Sabbath the observing of it was not optional. The Sabbath was God’s command to rest, to be still and to know. He cares deeply about the well-being of our souls. He cares that we be refreshed when we’re tired. He cares that we retain our heart and desire to be a caring, loving people.
So our Sabbath days should not resemble the other days of the week at all. Our Sabbath days ought to look different and feel different, so very different. Life itself, in its barest and simplest form, was and is His gift to us and it follows that the Sabbath is a weekly gift to (our) life, a way God made to help us keep the holiness/sacredness of life within our sights. Sabbath is our habitual way to keep the character and mind of God before us and the means to keep His Spirit and ours in friendship.
Our Sabbath days should look and feel unique, set apart, odd, even. The Sabbath is not an earthly creation but the stuff of heaven residing on earth. Getting in the habit of keeping the Sabbath may feel awkward at first, but take it as a good sign … if it doesn’t feel natural you’re probably on the right path. Eventually it will feel right and eventually you will start to long for it. You might not like it at first … you may feel lost without your “To Do” lists and you might even find yourself stealing glances at the clock, wondering when this boring day will ever end so that you can get back to doing the important things in life. Don’t mistake me, these important things may not be all bad – it could be finally cleaning that forgotten bathroom in the basement, getting around to fixing that broken item your spouse has been bugging you about for the last few months, balancing the check-book, grocery shopping, catching up with friends on the phone. But my suggestion would be to ask yourself, “Do I feel the Lord’s rest in this? Is this a busy distraction that may come between quiet time with Him? Are the lines of communication open between us while I do this? Is this something I can do during the week?” If you feel that you’re unable to hear the voice of God in any particular activity you’re considering doing, I’d suggest not doing it. I prefer to not have my Sabbath full of things that make it hard for Him to speak to me. (Does T.V. watching fall into that category? At risk of sounding legalistic I’d say probably. But this is a guideline, not an absolute.)
When you start observing Sabbath you might feel weird … lazy … unproductive. But Scripture says that when God observed the very first Sabbath “He rested”. He’d just worked a full 6 days and He unhesitatingly and unashamedly took the 7th day off. He didn’t feel guilty about it and neither should you. Go for the long nap … the quick meals (if you hate cooking) … the long walk outside … dink around in the garden if that brings you pleasure … make horribly fattening cookies … reminisce … play an instrument … wrestle with the kids … go on a date with your spouse … spend time with family … eat a lazy dinner outside on the deck, soaking up the sunset … just be …
God worked, then He rested; He enjoyed the fruit of His labors. I believe the key to Sabbath is not only the resting but the delighting in – pure, unashamed delight in what’s been given and in who He is.
Discover the gift of Sabbath.
The noise, rush, clamor, yelling, secrets, back biting, distrust and corporate politics of the week’s workplace slowly crumble away like sand castles when Friday evening rolls around. After a few healthy hours of slow decompression the troubles of M – F dissolve, leaving me in a groggy and semi-lethargic euphoria.
Eventually the core of my existence, my spirit, my truest hope in this life, once again returns and refreshes the weary places. By Sunday afternoon I’ve been emptied enough of the worries and stresses of last week’s concerns to be able to remember again what it is I am here for. I remember who I am. I remember the Story. I remember Him who holds and sustains.
Often it seems like it takes until Sunday for me to be quiet enough to hear once again the subtle strains of the Creator’s song that reverberates through the spaces of creation. Creation need not be reminded of His ever faithful kindness, goodness, care and attention. Creation never stopped knowing. But we need reminding. Often. And He knows that. So He gave us the Sabbath. And in His giving of the Sabbath the observing of it was not optional. The Sabbath was God’s command to rest, to be still and to know. He cares deeply about the well-being of our souls. He cares that we be refreshed when we’re tired. He cares that we retain our heart and desire to be a caring, loving people.
So our Sabbath days should not resemble the other days of the week at all. Our Sabbath days ought to look different and feel different, so very different. Life itself, in its barest and simplest form, was and is His gift to us and it follows that the Sabbath is a weekly gift to (our) life, a way God made to help us keep the holiness/sacredness of life within our sights. Sabbath is our habitual way to keep the character and mind of God before us and the means to keep His Spirit and ours in friendship.
Our Sabbath days should look and feel unique, set apart, odd, even. The Sabbath is not an earthly creation but the stuff of heaven residing on earth. Getting in the habit of keeping the Sabbath may feel awkward at first, but take it as a good sign … if it doesn’t feel natural you’re probably on the right path. Eventually it will feel right and eventually you will start to long for it. You might not like it at first … you may feel lost without your “To Do” lists and you might even find yourself stealing glances at the clock, wondering when this boring day will ever end so that you can get back to doing the important things in life. Don’t mistake me, these important things may not be all bad – it could be finally cleaning that forgotten bathroom in the basement, getting around to fixing that broken item your spouse has been bugging you about for the last few months, balancing the check-book, grocery shopping, catching up with friends on the phone. But my suggestion would be to ask yourself, “Do I feel the Lord’s rest in this? Is this a busy distraction that may come between quiet time with Him? Are the lines of communication open between us while I do this? Is this something I can do during the week?” If you feel that you’re unable to hear the voice of God in any particular activity you’re considering doing, I’d suggest not doing it. I prefer to not have my Sabbath full of things that make it hard for Him to speak to me. (Does T.V. watching fall into that category? At risk of sounding legalistic I’d say probably. But this is a guideline, not an absolute.)
When you start observing Sabbath you might feel weird … lazy … unproductive. But Scripture says that when God observed the very first Sabbath “He rested”. He’d just worked a full 6 days and He unhesitatingly and unashamedly took the 7th day off. He didn’t feel guilty about it and neither should you. Go for the long nap … the quick meals (if you hate cooking) … the long walk outside … dink around in the garden if that brings you pleasure … make horribly fattening cookies … reminisce … play an instrument … wrestle with the kids … go on a date with your spouse … spend time with family … eat a lazy dinner outside on the deck, soaking up the sunset … just be …
God worked, then He rested; He enjoyed the fruit of His labors. I believe the key to Sabbath is not only the resting but the delighting in – pure, unashamed delight in what’s been given and in who He is.
Discover the gift of Sabbath.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Have you had a hankering lately for a good ravioli stamp? Trying to find the perfect mortar and pestle to fill that hole in your life? Looking for that special cake mold for someone's birthday? Discovered you had a sudden need for some steam pudding molds? Coveting your neighbor's krumkake iron? Been hunting for that perfect yet elusive Dutch oven? Feeling like your kitchen won't be complete without some adorable espresso/cappuccino cups? If any of the previous or following (banana peeler/slicer/clips, shamrock pan, pressure cooker, milk frother, herb chopper, ham rack, meat grinder, egg coddler, fruit ripener, cream horns, alphabet ice tray) have ever been on your kitchen item shopping list or just might be in the near future, than Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop is just for you. But be warned, a tissue may need to be on hand in the event of open-mouth drooling. Fante's has infinite ideas and good deals aplenty.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
homemade vinaigrette dressing
ingredients needed:
extra-virgin olive oil
balsamic vinaigrette
mustard (dijon or regular)
honey
water (optional)
pressed garlic
lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
dill
thyme
oregano
salt/pepper to taste
it was dinnertime. i was hungry. i wanted a salad. and i did not feel like using the creamy sludge posed as dressing they sell in bottles in the grocery store. so i made my own. i didn't exactly know what i was doing, so i have no measurements for you. but this is most tasty. look at the list of ingredients. how could it not be??
in a small mixing bowl pour in some olive oil. olive oil is the base of your dressing, so however much you pour in will be approximately how much dressing you'll end up with. dump in some vinaigrette. you'll want a nice little puddle in the middle of the olive oil (but not too much - a little goes a long way). add some globs of honey (just enough to take the edge off the vinaigrette) and a few good squirts of mustard. (mustard is an emulsifier, helping it all to blend well, besides tasting awesome.) a smidgen of lemon juice is a nice addition and just a tad bit of water is optional if you feel that things are getting a little too thick. if you're making this dressing for one, or even two, one clove of pressed garlic (or finely chopped) is sufficient, giving the whole thing a nice little kick in the pants. a pinch each of dill, thyme and oregano adds some flavor and finish off with salt/pepper to taste. mix well before pouring over greens and eat with an impish grin on your face. as i'm sure you've guessed, taste as you go. if you get to the end and its terrible ... i can't help you. i gave you the basics. the artistry and tasting is up to you.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Will you still be my friend?
I'm not sure if you'll still be my friend after I begin to divulge some of my health-maintenance secrets, but ... I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm getting healthy on you here ... I've not entered too many health-related posts on here (ever?) but can't stop the flow any longer. Taking care of the body I've been given is one of my greatest convictions/passions. Educating others in the pursuit of the same follows closely behind. This first entry finds me voicing my love of apple cider vinegar ... it serves as the base for most of my skin/hair care and diet needs. I've used ACV as a hair rinse (directions follow below) for close to two years now and will never stop using it. My hair thanks me for it ... thick, healthy, shiny. It looks infinitely better than with any other conditioner I've ever used and you can't compete with the price! I also use ACV as a facial toner twice a day and my skin has never felt/looked better. I'd even go so far as to say that it actually glows and my complexion is so much clearer than when I used over the counter product on it. ACV has a pH balance almost the same as your skin's natural balance which makes for a very safe, non-harsh cleanser for every skin type. You might balk at the thought of putting something smelly on your skin, but trust me, once its on and dried, you can't smell it. Besides, if it did, wouldn't you have noticed it on me before? :)
The following info was taken from a very comprehensive and helpful website, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
Vinegar Hair Rinse – Natural Hair Care Product
Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).
On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.
Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.
Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.
Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.
If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.
Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.
(Erika's note - I mix up the smaller 1 cup amnt of rinse and keep in the shower, using 1-2 times a week, and rinse it out. Praying the Lord's Prayer is usually a long enough time to get it rinsed thoroughly and doesn't hurt your heart-health either. :)
Facial Toner
Mix one teaspoon of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water in a cup. Make as much as you want and keep in the toner bottle that you remembered to not throw away ... the one your old stuff was in (the stuff that you won't be using anymore). A funnel is handy for transferring the liquid. This mixture keeps well and works for all sorts of general cleansing purposes, scrapes, bug bites, ear piercings, armpits (well, that's for a whole separate post) ...
Let me know if you like it! Don't give up, it takes a little while to get your mind wrapped around it, but its so worth it!
The following info was taken from a very comprehensive and helpful website, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
Vinegar Hair Rinse – Natural Hair Care Product
Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).
On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.
Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.
Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.
Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.
If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.
Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.
(Erika's note - I mix up the smaller 1 cup amnt of rinse and keep in the shower, using 1-2 times a week, and rinse it out. Praying the Lord's Prayer is usually a long enough time to get it rinsed thoroughly and doesn't hurt your heart-health either. :)
Facial Toner
Mix one teaspoon of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water in a cup. Make as much as you want and keep in the toner bottle that you remembered to not throw away ... the one your old stuff was in (the stuff that you won't be using anymore). A funnel is handy for transferring the liquid. This mixture keeps well and works for all sorts of general cleansing purposes, scrapes, bug bites, ear piercings, armpits (well, that's for a whole separate post) ...
Let me know if you like it! Don't give up, it takes a little while to get your mind wrapped around it, but its so worth it!
Monday, March 02, 2009
StoryPeople - Brian Andreas
I like people until they give me reason not to, she said.
Some days they just drop like flies, though, she added.
Norwegian/American baking - my heritage
These bars are quite rich so make them sparingly ... or at least only when you're sure you won't be stuck with leftovers ... on a weekend when you're home by yourself ... with nothing to do but stare at them longingly ...
Rommegrot Bars
• 2 cans original crescent rolls (make sure they’re the triangular strips, not the pre-separated rolls)
• 2 – 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened (the real stuff, not low fat)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup sugar (can use less, if desired)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Grease a 9x13 pan well. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into bottom of pan. Mix cream cheese, cup of sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Spread mixture in pan and cover with second can of crescent rolls. Beat remaining egg white until foamy and spread on top. Top with 1/3 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Keep refrigerated. Serve with coffee, but I'm sure you were already planning on doing that.
Rommegrot Bars
• 2 cans original crescent rolls (make sure they’re the triangular strips, not the pre-separated rolls)
• 2 – 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened (the real stuff, not low fat)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup sugar (can use less, if desired)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Grease a 9x13 pan well. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into bottom of pan. Mix cream cheese, cup of sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Spread mixture in pan and cover with second can of crescent rolls. Beat remaining egg white until foamy and spread on top. Top with 1/3 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Keep refrigerated. Serve with coffee, but I'm sure you were already planning on doing that.
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