Happy Birthday to Me

I know, I know, my blog is not good for much of anything, but it is good for one thing. My birthday list. Last year I was preoccupied and didn't post it, but I've realized that expecting people to give me gifts should really be a higher priority in my life.

Here it is:

Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
All of Us The Collected Poems by Raymond Carver
Monkey Bread Pan
Gloves
Slippers that fit
Pandora beads
Bath and BodyWorks stuff
Coco by Chanel
Earrings
Dove Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds
Hot Tamales
Good and Plenty
Cute Post-It notes
White Inkjoy pens
Modern Family Season 3

YouTube Cooking

Madeleine got me to try this recipe she found on YouTube:

1 lb chicken breast, sliced or diced
1/2 cup Asian Toasted Sesame Salad Dressing (Kraft)
1/4 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup cashews
Stir fry the chicken, mix the other stuff (except the cashews) together and throw it in, serve over rice or noodles and top with the cashews (or peanuts). Throw a little steamed broccoli around the edges to make it healthier (and it looks nice, too). It was super fast and easy!

Here's a link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4t-1dJqp9M
Even though the recipe is right here, I did enjoy watching Chef John's demonstration.

Miscellanea

So lately I've been having great ideas on various things to write on my blog. Things that may not interest anyone but me, but that's still reason enough for me to write about them. The problem is, I always have these great ideas when I'm lying in bed at night, and even though I have paper and pen in my nightstand I don't write them down. I don't want to get out of the ideal sleeping position into which I've settled and I'm sure, every time, that I'll remember my idea in the morning. I never do.
I would resolve to do better but I probably won't. I'll just have to try to get better ideas when I'm not in bed.

Miette Lemon Cake

Yes, I have another cookbook, but I swear this is the last one for a little while at least. How can anyone resist San Francisco's most charming pastry shop? Here's my first attempt; the frosting isn't as smooth as Meg Ray's but I think it's still charming.

Perfection

It should be clear to most of you that I've been quite devoted to baking lately (probably as many as 80% of you, which would be four out of my five readers). For years I've wanted to try making croissants but didn't have the guts. It involves multiple steps, lots of putting dough in the fridge to chill, and folding and rolling repeatedly.
However, my love of croissants and the impossible task of finding a decent one without a long drive spurred me on. That and my totally amazing new cookbook which is providing me with an endless stream of fantastic recipes.
Call it beginner's luck, but they came out perfect the first time! I was on both a baking and a butter high. I'll post some pictures of the process next time.

Sarabeth's Bakery

Despite the fact that I haven't yet baked my way through the Flour cookbook, I couldn't resist this one. Who can say no to an apron full of brioche? I started with two breads, Cinnamon Raisin Bread and Apple Cinnamon Bread. They were both easy to make, and the fun part was literally throwing the chunks of apple cinnamon dough into the pan. All that work just to cut the slices in half and chuck them in! The results are worth it, since the bread is both funky looking and delicious.

King Arthur Flour

Last month I finally lived my dream of going to King Arthur Flour in Norwich Vermont. I felt like a kid in a candy store-if you'll pardon the overused expression-going around the store with my little cart (not big enough!) and choosing new baking accessories and ingredients.

Later we spent two hours at a class in the education center on portable pies. It was taught by guest instructor Sarah Copeland who works at the Food Network and has a cookbook coming out next year.

She was great, the company was great (thanks Terrie and Camille!), and it was definitely worth the drive. More on the day's activities later, including the general store that has everything. If they don't have it, you don't need it. Really.