Happy Valentine's Day!

Just want to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to all my family & friends. If you were here, I'd give you a piece of my Chocolate Cracked Earth Cake. It's an adaptation from Tyler Florence's recipe. Since you are not here with me to enjoy this cake, here is the recipe:

6oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 stick butter
2 T coffee
1 t. vanilla
9 eggs separated -- yeah, that's right, 9!
3/4 C sugar

Preheat the oven to 350. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a mixing bowl until light yellow in color. Whisk a little of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs; then whisk in the rest of the chocolate mixture.
Beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form and fold into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the cake is set, the top starts to crack and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, about 30minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan.

So that's the recipe. Tyler uses all bittersweet chocolate and doesn't add vanilla or coffee. I thought I'd use some bittersweet and some semi-sweet, as I thought the bittersweet would just be too, well, bitter. Also, if you noticed, this is a flourless cake which is an added bonus. Enjoy!

Spring Fever

I went to Lowes the other day and bought 18 packets of seeds. I've done this before and either the seeds don't grow (of course it couldn't be me!) or I forget to plant, water or talk gently to them. I just don't have good luck with seeds, so if you're reading this and have a tip or two, please send them along. But, this year is different somehow. I'm really going to try to be intentional with my precious little seedies.
One project I'd really like to do (come Spring) is make these beanpole tepees. Sorry about the fuzziness of the photo. It's actually a picture of a picture, but I wanted to give a good idea of what I'm talking about. I got a packet of seeds called asparagus beans and each BEAN is supposed to be a YARD long! Can't wait for that. I'll be sure to post about it if I'm successful. This was taken a few years ago at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. He was quite a gardener and if you ever get a chance to see his home, I'd recommend it. I was completely inspired and think about it often.
So I decided to start my stash of seeds indoors to get a jump start on the season. I used these handy peat containers that can actually be planted outdoors when the time comes. Exciting!
Here's the finished product of the indoor phase. Now if I can just remember to water.

Juice Queen

I love my Juice King juicer. I got it off eBay a few years back and it's the best out there. No it's not electric and no it doesn't use centrifugal force that shreds the fruit into unnoticeable bits. It's a simple press that takes a little elbow grease to get the freshest juice possible. And it's red. I love that because I'm trying to add some color to my all-white kitchen. My favorite oranges to use are the Temple variety. This time of year they're on sale- and I buy a few bags at a time. I find that a full glass of juice usually takes about 5 oranges.

I've also used the King to make Oprah's lemon drop martinis that she served at her Legend's Ball. She said the key to the great taste was the fresh squeezed lemon juice. They definitely pack a strong punch, but were very lemony!

Chocolate Deliciousness

Jim called me last night on his way home from work and said "Don't brush your teeth, I have a surprise for you." He knows I have this thing about not eating any food after I brush my teeth-- you know, doesn't food just taste strange after you brush? Maybe it's only me, but I just can't do it...Well, he walks in all proud with the best looking chocolate- a peanut butter cup that was at least the size of my palm & a big juicy strawberry covered in milk chocolate. I have to say that the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory really knows their stuff. That peanut butter cup was one of the best I've ever had..probably ties it up with the ones from Long Grove.
Thanks so much honey for being the best husband in the world-- not because of the chocolate (although that helps), but just because you're you.

Winter Wonderland

It's a snowy day in the neighborhood...We're going on our 4th day of below zero temperatures out here in the Chicago suburbs which is probably why I'm so antsy for spring to show her shades of green. I'm forcing hyacinth bulbs in almost every room of the house, none have bloomed yet, but I'm patiently waiting!
So we decided to take advantage of this snowy weather particularly because we have cabin fever so bad. So we got all bundled which took at least 10 minutes, but it was all worth it just for this precious photo of Abs. I think she's trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue! And can I just say that I had to drag her in the house after a half hour! Needless to say she slept great last night.

Happy BIRTHday

Welcome to the world Will David and Happy Birthday Jessica Jean! Yesterday was a great day in the world. My beautiful sister Christina gave birth to her second son, Will. He is a healthy boy who slept 6 hours his first night. Reese did a great job and even felt well enough to watch the Superbowl. No epidural or anything- triple wow. That's all I can say having gone through childbirth myself.
My other beautiful sister Jessica's birthday is tomorrow. She spent the weekend with us which was a real treat. I made her some chocolate cupcakes with vanilla butter cream frosting-super sugar high- but delightful nonetheless. Happy Bday Will & Jess. Love you lots.

Knitting 101

I learned to knit 2 weeks ago. My good friend, Janelle, who previously I hadn't seen in probably ten years taught me. Now, I'm hooked (excuse the pun). Janelle is one of those childhood best friends that when we see each other we can pick up where we left off even if there's been lots of time in between visits. When we were little we would laugh so hard together we peed our pants, well maybe that was just me. But still, I don't know how many friends I've had like that. Not many. So it was a special thing when she taught me how to knit a couple weeks ago. I'm still on my first project- a scarf for Abigail. I'm about half way done and hope to finish very soon due to the frigidness we're experiencing right now in Chicago. I've already bought yarn and needles for my next project- a dishcloth. All the knitting items were half off at Hobby Lobby this week and I just can't pass up a good deal.