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I knew this day would come -- my wonderful vanilla has been completely consumed, all 33.8 ounces of it.
I bought this in Ensenada, Mexico, while on a cruise in March 2002. It was my favorite vanilla and I used it in everything I baked. Who'd have thought it would have lasted this long?
This past January, I was, once again, on a cruise to Mexico, and my primary task was to find a replacement, knowing that the end was in sight. Sadly, I was unable to find anything in the same quantity. I did return with two small bottles of vanilla, but they won't last long at all at the rate I bake.
This vanilla was the best buy ever, in both taste and cost, so I guess the search will begin again.
This year I just couldn't resist participating in National Bundt Day, which is tomorrow (November 15). For all bundts wild and wonderful, check out Mary's blog, The Food Librarian.
Ha ha. Check out. That's a librarian joke. (From one librarian to another)
All joking aside, I haven't been in a chocolate mood lately, so I searched for a lemon-flavored bundt. I ended up using Ina Garten's lemon yogurt cake. It has triple-whammy lemony goodness with lemon zest and lemon oil in the cake, lemon syrup drizzled over the hot cake, and a creamy, lemon glaze to finish it off.
In the process, I used up all my lemons. Not to worry, though, because I think the lemons on my tree are just about ready to harvest.
Celebrate National Bundt Day by heading over to Mary's blog to see a terrific selection of delicious cakes.
I had basically decided that I would not make the second TWD recipe this week because I don't own a mini-madeleine pan. I just have large, individual molds.
But then, some of the bakers said they made them anyway in a bigger size, so, I changed my mind.
Half a recipe produced 7 giant madeleines, although I think 8 or 9 would be more realistic.
I baked the cookies right after I baked the butternut squash pie. I'd made the batter the night before, so it seemed natural. The house was a bit chilly so I thought the heat from the oven would make the kitchen a cozy place for me and the dog.
The cookies started out with the traditional 'bump' on top, which promptly collapsed within seconds. On the bright side, they unmolded perfectly.
They sure were tasty cookies. Bites of light, lemony sponge cake. I spent Sunday nibbling away. After all, there were only seven of them, and everyone knows that madeleines don't hold up well, right?
I think I may just have to make these again soon.
The madeleine hostess this week is Di of Di's Kitchen Notebook. She'll have the recipe posted on her blog.
So, settle in with your madeleines and nice cup of tea and see what the other TWD bakers did.
It's another double-dip week for the Tuesdays with Dorie group.
First up is a fruity pie, loaded with butternut squash, pears, dried cranberries, and walnuts and spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg. What a great flavor combination!
Even though I have a butternut squash on my counter, I wimped out and bought some pre-cut squash from Trader Joe's. They carry two sizes: 12 ounces and 2 pounds. I chose the smaller package, and it was more than enough for this recipe.
And, although I thought I had bought two Anjou pears, one turned out to be a Bartlett in Anjou clothing. Guess it must have jumped its bin.
I prepared the whole pie the night before, wrapped it well, and placed it in the fridge. First thing Sunday morning, I baked it. That extra hour of sleep made such a difference!
Now, as you look at the slice, it appears very brown. Trust me, it really doesn't look like this. It's more red and cheery. My Photoshop definitely has issues with reds and oranges.
If you want a delicious change from the usual fall holiday pies, why don't you give this one a try?
The hostess for this pie is Valerie of Une Gamine dans la Cuisine and she'll have the recipe posted on her blog. Then head over to the TWD site to see how the other bakers fared.
This is truly the last piece standing.
Today was my turn to host my quilt group and I also signed up to make dessert. Would you believe that I agonized over a week about what to make? So many possibilities, so few quilt meetings.
While I was planning to make this Far Breton anyway, I kept putting off. Finally, yesterday, I said what the heck and decided to bake it this morning for my friends.
It went together very easily and was a breeze to bake. I left it in a bit longer than instructed so it would have a pretty, golden top. I learned that part when I was researching far bretons.
The dessert came out of the pan with no difficulties.
At the end of our meeting, there was only one piece remaining, a good testament to its deliciousness. I did choose to soak the fruit in Earl Grey tea, since I have no Armagnac (that stuff is expensive!). However, the zing from the liqueur would be fun, so I'm putting Armagnac on my official Christmas list this year.
This is definitely a 'sleeper' dessert, one I would make again.
Two other notes, I did cut up the prunes so they were the same size as the raisins. I think it made the dessert easier to eat. Next time I might play with fruit combinations as well.
And, I made the batter in my blender. Seeing no need to dirty yet another container, I let it remain in the blender over night, then gave it a gentle spin right before using.
The hostess for the Far is Nicole of Cookies on Friday. She has the recipe posted on her blog.
Stop by the Tuesdays with Dorie site for more comments. .
First up for TWD this week is Dorie's Alsatian Apple Tart. I adore apples in any form, especially in pies and tarts, and because it's just me now, I can have cooked apples anytime I wish. This particular tart only took two apples -- one large Braeburn and one small Gala.
