Macarons

 

“It isn’t magic, but who’s never felt better after a cookie?”

~Rosie Pease

  Cookies and Curses

 

I tried a new cookie the other day, the gorgeous French cookie, Macarons. I had seen the cookie in movies, television and in magazines, and I always found them pretty and elegant. I am not sure why I never tried making them when I was baking during Covid-19 and the Trump administration. Shrug. I don't know, maybe that should be something I try. Cookies are a lot easier to make as opposed to cake because dear hubby hates most forms of cake. In fact, he is not really a sweets eater, but he does enjoy a cannoli. So, when I do make these, I am going to go for a filling as close to cannoli as possible. These cookies are great as an afternoon snack, with tea. They are crunchy on the outside, and like a nougat on the inside. I got mine at Costco, the brand is Le Chic, and with a $4 off coupon they are well worth it! The cookie flavors are Raspberry, Pistachio,  Lemon, Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Chocolate. My favorites are the Raspberry and Chocolate, but I wouldn't turn any of then down.

 

Pistashio Macarons

W/Cannoli Cream

 

(Better Homes And Gardens) 

 

  

It Was Tuesday So...

"You've got this life and while you've got it, you'd better kiss like you only have one moment, try to hold someone's hand like they're the last you'll ever see, watch someone sleeping like there's no time left, jump if you feel like jumping, run if you feel like running play music in your head when there is none and eat cake like it's the only one left in the world!

~C. JoyBell C.

Yesterday was Tuesday, and that means that the Daily Special cupcake at the Teacake Bake Shop in Emeryville was the Madagascar Vanilla with Honey Tangerine Buttercream frosting. It's amazingly delicious. Life affirming delicious! I first tried this little beauty a couple months ago when Alan and I went to the movies at the AMC Everyville. Yesterday we went to see Star Trek: Into The Darkness, and after the movie we enjoyed a little sweet culinary treat and our respective warm beverages. For me of course it was all about the cupcake, but for Alan it was the Chocolate Chunk Hazelnut cookie, also from the Teacake Bake Shop. Tuesdays, who knew how fantastic Tuesday's could be?

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Who Wants A Cookie?

From For Ellipsis

"A balanced diet, is a cookie in each hand."

-Unknown

It's pouring rain. It's cold. So, what lifts my spirits? BAKING! Who wants a Banana Snowball cookie? Go ahead... grab one... or two... even three! Rainy days are my favorite time to cook. I am at my most creative in the fall and winter months. Yikes, only a little over a week left of winter. Sigh. I already miss the short, cool days. How about you, will you miss winter? Share your thoughts with me over a cookie!

:)

-Carly

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

"There are some people who want to throw their arms around you just because it's Christmas, and there are other people who want to strangle you just because it it's Christmas."

-Robert Lynd

Tee Hee. I was all set to sleep in yesterday, and then get up around 1:30 or so and make myself all pretty and girly before Alan got home. We had a date to have a nice turkey dinner, rent a Godzilla movie, pop some popcorn and just laugh ourselves silly. It was not to be. Sigh. He called me early in the afternoon and told me that he had to work a double shift, it seems they couldn't get by without him. LOL. Sigh. So, what to do? What to do? A Godzilla movie all by myself didn't seem like it would be much fun, but the weather outside was perfect for putting something spooky on to watch. Here it was June 2nd, and the temperature last evening was only 52 degrees! It felt downright December-ish. LOL. So, what would be my plan "B?"

I decided to do some early Christmas shopping online, and curl up with Elvis. I looked at advent calendars, and gourmet food. He and I have been discussing making this coming Christmas one our extravaganzas. Maybe get some new Christmas ornaments, and maybe order something yummy for dinner from Omaha Steaks. I have always wanted to order a cheesecake from the Carnegie Deli, in New York. Their cheesecakes look fabulous. Of course while I am there, I might as well order some yummy pastrami as well. :) Maybe make some special double-decker sandwiches for dinner on Christmas Eve. We always have great Christmas Eves. Usually we go out and make one last dash for stocking stuffers, then meet for lunch, this year we might go a different route. :) Time to start some new traditions I think.

I spent nearly the entire afternoon Christmas shopping, and by the time I was done, I was in the mood to make cookies. So that's what I did. I put Elvis on his favorite stool, put on the Peanuts Christmas album, and made Chocolate Chip Caramel, and Chocolate Chip Toffee cookies. We even wore out Christmas hats. It was a nice time of bonding with Elvis. He is getting better every day, but it has been a long road for him. I have been so pleased with him the last couple days, because he has actually eaten all of his meals without too much drama or coaxing. :) He is a fun cat around the holidays, he has never attacked the Christmas tree, and he gets excited like a little kid about opening his presents. I still have to do a bit of hemming on his pajamas, that Santa brought him last year. LOL. They are yellow with teddy bears on them. :)

So I guess we will have our turkey dinner later this evening. LOL. It's pretty wacky having 50 degree weather in June, but I am not complaining. It's comfy, the house smells like cookies, and Elvis is at my feet snoring away, wearing his Santa hat. What could be wrong with that? Besides, pretty soon it will officially be summer, and Christmas will be the last thing on my mind. So tell me, is there a holiday coming up that you are especially looking forward to this year?

-OndineMonet
"Early Christmas Cookies"
Berkeley, California
June 2, 2007
Evening