I just found out that Amazon just dropped the price of my standing mixer by $40! All it took was a simple call to Amazon and the refund is on its way. Also, the gentleman on the phone was so nice to remind me that a rebate had recently been made available for the standing mixer, which includes a free attachment! Come on citrus juicer!
Mmmmmm….possibly the best dessert I’ve made to date. Last night I made chocolate lava cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting that was so delicious that we didn’t get a chance to snap a picture before they were gone. For those that don’t know, this is a chocolate cupcake with an additional ball of chocolate center. Basically, there’s chocolate (Ghiradellis 60% cacoa) heaven in every bite. I went with a simple cream cheese frosting, but next time I might try either a raspberry frosting or a coconut frosting.
I think it would be safe to say that those who are visiting the weekend of May 18th will be enjoying this treat as well.
It’s too early to call it a night. I just walked back from an amazing performance by Vienna Teng and her opening act, Jenny Owens. Jenny Owens performed several great acoustical pieces, and finished her performance with her signature acoustical version of “Hot in Herre.” You can see one of these performances in my post below.
Afterwards, Vienna Teng walked on to the stage with her band. The performance in my mind was awe-inspiring. With a CS (Computer Science) degree from Stanford, she reminds me that a technical person can still follow their creative passions. Nico, I’m still waiting for the day we see you on the stage performing too.
While my passions differ from Ms. Teng, I still consider her an inspiration for me to pursue my dreams. It was an amazing performance with even better timing in my life…
I recently discovered two artists on the radio covering popular hip-hop/R&B songs. I can’t help but laugh uncontrollably, but maybe it will be the next fad. Check it out:
It’s official. Season 8 of E.R. is the best season that NBC ever put out. This is the season that Mark Greene’s character befell a fatal tumor. It was the season that I discovered Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s remake of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “It’s Beautiful World”, which is a song to keep in you back pocket for any type of day. It would have been a great season to ride out on, but unfortunate the series has dragged on.
You are the dark ocean bottom
And I am the fast sinking anchor
Should I fall for you
You are the scar on my tissue
That I show all of my new friends
Should I show you me
All we need is a little bit of momentum
Breakdown these walls that weve built around ourselves
All we need is a little bit of inertia
Breakdown and tell breakdown and tell
That you are the rain on the fire
Deep in the trees when no one was looking
Should I speak of this
You are a mirage in the distance
That defies the heat of the desert
Should I believe in you
These rules are made to break and these walls are built to fall
These rules are made to break us all
Here’s a quick update of changes soon to come to the kitchen:
* The pasta maker is here! I’m defrosting my frozen dough right now and plan on making some pasta tonight.
* I’m still looking for a good standing mixer, after I determined that the 4.5 quart mixer is just too small for my needs.
* I’m making my final decision between the Kitchen Aid and Cuisinart food processor.
* I’ve mastered my cupcake recipe and now need to add blender to my list of kitchen tools. I want to start making my own confectioner’s sugar (1 cup of granulated sugar to 1 tbsp of corn starch) to save some room and cash in the kitchen.
Time to run by the cheese store to stock up on good cheese. I’ll start with my favorite – smoked gouda, then probably grab some manchego, parmigiana reggiano, mozzarella, and a new soft cheese I’ll choose when I get there.
I recently used all purpose flour to make various types of pasta, but then it got me thinking. What else could I do with flour? After some research, I’ve discovered the simplicity of making puff pastry dough. With puff pastry dough by my side I can make a million stuffed dishes to fill my appetite. I need to go invest in some good cheese though. Luckily, there is a specialty cheese joint right next to me.
P.S – I received some good advice on a manual pasta maker, and plan on ordering it this weekend. Read about the “Villaware V150 Imperia Noodle Machine”:http://www.amazon.com/Villaware-V150-Imperia-Noodle-Machine/dp/B00004SPDH/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-1452593-4724623?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1175619090&sr=8-2