This is a true story and a very funny one. Our friends were holding a theme dinner, Chinese, and Don and I were to bring dessert. We tried..the internet, books, and this is what transpired.
When you can’t find the impossible, you:
1. Look in every cookbook you own, ask friends, phone the Library and then, when all else fails, go to step 2.
2. Drive around until you locate a Chinese grocery store.
3. Speak to the saleslady there and ask about what desserts are served with gourmet Chinese fare.
4. The lady now tells you they are not big on desserts and usually settle for jello, cake or orange slices. Now as panic sets in, we look at their Bakery counter for some inspiration.
5. Look at your watch and see that you have enough time now to get home, shower and get to the dinner you must do the following:
6. Buy 3 each of Pineapple-Coconut Cream Bombs and Almond Cream Bombs.
7. Ask the lady how they are served and buy the Almond Custard she recommends.
8. Put it together and as the guilt sets in (you know everyone else made from scratch) you tell a little white lie and hope you are forgiven and vow that the next time Chinese is on the menu, opt for some soup.
This is true and now, of course, as any cook/hostess fears, someone asked for the recipe. At our next dinner, we handed out the above and we all had a great laugh. Sense of humor to the rescue.
Remembering this calls for a martini of some kind…..later.
Black and White Bark
Over the next few weeks, I will be posting some of the items you might wish to make for the holiday seasons upcoming such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays that you and your families celebrate.
You will need:
- Pam spray
- 1 pound White Chocolate ( Lindt, Dove, Ghiradelli or the best chocolate in your area)
- 1 cup dark chocolate cookie wafers, chopped coarsely
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
Spray a cookie sheet with Pam spray and line with parchment paper, leaving ends to overhang.
Melt chocolate in a bowl sitting over a pot of simmering water, not boiling.
Stir in the cookies and pistachios and pour onto the cookie sheet. With a spatula, smooth out and refrigerate for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. Break into pieces and hide before they are completely gone by all the “Mr. Nobody’s “that live in your house.
You can use any combination of your favourite flavours. Such as Pistachios and lime zest; change the chocolate to dark and add mini marshmallows and coarsely chopped graham crackers. Whatever you wish to use.
Have fun!
Puffiest Cheese Omelet EVER
This is one impressive omelet to serve guests, family or….just you!
You will need:
- 2 large eggs, separated
- Pinch of fresh ground nutmeg
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3/4 cup Pepper Jack cheese OR Balderson’s aged cheddar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, moist peaks form. In another bowl, beat yolks with the salt, pepper and nutmeg until thick and lemon coloured. Whisk in the sour cream. Pour yolk mixture over beaten egg whites and GENTLY fold together.
Melt butter in a 10″ oven-proof frying pan over medium heat. Tilt to cover the bottom of the pan and then pour in the egg mixture.
Do not stir but cook until omelet is puffy and lightly golden on the bottom. This will take 2-3 minutes. Transfer pan to the oven and bake until top is a pale golden brown (takes 6-9 minutes) and a knife, when inserted, comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese. Using a spatula, fold half the omelet over the other half. Slide omelet onto a warm plate and serve immediately.
This can be cut in two as it is quite a generous serving.
To take it up a notch, add pre-steamed asparagus, red peppers or mushrooms before folding over the top edge.
This recipe is from my published cook book ‘”The B & B Cook Book”.
Jade’s Nicetini
My grandaughter absolutely crazy about Rootbeer so here is a mocktini for her. It is really simple.
You need
- 1 part Rootbeer
- 1 part half and half
- 1 splash of Nestle chocolate syrup
- 1 splash of coke/pepsi
Pour all ingredients except the coke/pepsi into a shaker with crushed ice and shake really well. Strain into chilled martini glasses, and top carefully with the coke/pepsi.
It is a fun drink to make (not just pop).
Grapes of Wrath Mocktini
This is a fun drink to make to all dd’s and those who prefer not to drink the other kind of martini, you will need:
- 1 part white grape juice
- 2 parts sparkling “Fre” white wine
- 1 splash of lime juice
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with cracked ice and STIR gently. Strain into very cold martini glasses and garnish with 2 -3 frozen green grapes. Voila!
No one needs to know there is a difference between the drinks. Enjoy!