Mindless Monday

So this is what it looks like in California in January.  Reminders of why I live here.

Apples

Where did last year go. It was a busy year for me and not a lot of posting going on. It's when I finally have time off I get a chance to reflect on why I started this blog. First of all it was a chance to pick up my camera more often and take pictures of the things I love. Food. Travel. And the wonderful things that make Life so great, partly more food and more travel. At least I'm honest. This year I hope to post more often.  My friend at eatdrinknbemerry told me yesterday, you need to pick up your camera more.  He is so right.  I promise more pictures.

SB and I have a pending trip to London and Paris. I'm sure I'll have lots to share, maybe even get a picture of SB on this blog. One can always hope he'll give in, but if not, no worries, we'll have plenty to tell.

Last year was a good year, we finally reached a spiritual goal that we've been working towards for many years. We look forward to whatever the future holds for us. Our motto, "go thru the doors that are open and stop trying to push the ones that are closed." So we hope to continue to live by that thought.  

What else have I been doing this past month. Quite a bit of baking and cooking, yay! Also with a few days off from regular life I had time to organize closets, shelves, books, and all kinds of stuff. I tossed out a few old cooking magazines and reminded myself of recipes I've longed too try. On visiting a friend she laid out a forty clove garlic chicken for herself to make and handed me Ina Garten's French Apple Tart to try. So I've made it 3 times since the last week of December.

Did you know that there are 7,500 varieties of apples ranging in color from red to gold, yellow to green, and being slightly larger than cherry and can be as big as a grapefruit. Approximately 2,500 are grown here in American. I found that amazing, I had no idea, as I've only touched probably only 6 - 8 different types of apples. I personally love apples with peanut butter, usually a gala apple. Really though, I like anything with peanut butter. So here's a picture of my french apple tart (this is the 2nd time). I have to say the 3rd was the prettiest, and was taken to a pot-luck dinner at my bosses house. I forgot to take a picture as I was so worried about getting it transported there without making a mess. If you want to make it, the recipe is found here.

Cocktails Anyone

So I have a great boss. Who I've talked about before here. This year he gave everyone in our department and that's 10 of us a fantastic gift. It's a new take on a cosmopolitan. It's called the Sparkling Mandarin. Here's the instructions he gave us:

3 ounces of Mandarin Vodka
1 ounce of Triple Sec
1 ounce of Cranberry juice
Shake well...
Remove lid from shaker and add 2 ounces of Sparkling Blood Orange French Soda. (Included in the lovely package above)
Then stir well - do not shake - the soda is carbonated.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime.
Toss the ice water and strain cocktail into the chilled glasses.
Serve with the garnish of your choice (martini cranberries, lime twists or orange slices).
Sip and enjoy! Serves 2

I told my friend Jessica about this fantastic gift and she asked that I have the cocktail shaker ready in the waiting room for her after she delivers her first baby. Can you hear the ice now?

Sea Salt Carmels

So my friend Jessica who LOVES all the sweets possible always gives me great suggestions on Trader Joe sweets. This past winter season she introduced me to yet another goodie.

Dark Chocolate covered carmels with sea salt on top. Need I say more. This only is in stock during the Holiday season. Mark it down for next Nov/Dec and stock up.

Mindless Monday

Fall