Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Rainbow Cookies

Rainbow Cookies recipe link
Okay, so here is my "new" recipe for this Passover.  My only real adaptations are that I made it with parve margarine instead of the butter, substituted vanilla sugar for the extract.  Also, I couldn't find Kosher-for-Passover almond paste, so I made my own.

Almond Paste (Adapted from an Epicurious recipe)  Makes 1 1/2 c.
1 1/2 cups whole, blanched almonds
1 2/3 c. confectioner's sugar (or equal amount granulated sugar pulsed with 2 Tbs. potato starch)
1/4 c. egg whites

If making for Passover, create the powdered sugar first in the food processor.   Add almonds and grind to a fine powder.  Add egg whites and pulse until a ball forms.  May add a tsp. of almond extract (or flavoring) for a more intense almond taste.  Turn out ball onto a piece of parchment paper.  Form into a log and wrap in paper.  May be refrigerated for a week or frozen at this point.

Rainbow cookies after the layers have cooled, been stacked and pressed for 24 hours.


Cookies after they are cut into lengths and spread with apricot glaze.


After the glaze sets, melted chocolate gets spread over them.


Success!!!  Sorry about the crumbs on the plate..I few got snagged before I could get a picture.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - Passover

Menu Plan Monday - Passover

Monday Night Seder - Roasted Turkey, veg. kugel, asparagus, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish (for B), and mock chopped liver (for the rest of us).  As well as the haroset, matzo, wine, etc.  Rainbow cookies for dessert.
Tuesday Night Seder - Brisket, potato souffle, carrot-rutabega puree, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, and mock chopped liver.
Wednesday - Leftover turkey, etc
Thursday - Leftover Brisket, etc.
Friday - Matzo "lasagna"
Saturday and Sunday -  Not sure yet, perhaps pecan chx.
Already made Almond Mandelbrot, for snacks and farfel granola.
Also, need to make Farfel and cheese for Miss D's lunchbox.  I'll try to post pictures/recipes later.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Menu Plan Monday (belated)

Menu Plan Monday - Came and went but here is the plan anyway.  Menu planning for this week is a bit of a challenge.  Finishing the quilt has been the priority.  And now with Passover starting next Monday, we are trying to use up things in the freezer/pantry so that I can start cleaning by the end of the week

Monday - Chicken supreme with brown rice
Tuesday - Various Leftovers
Wednesday - Polish Noodles
Thursday - Chx. fried rice and veggies
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Hopefully a night out for the adults, kids meals in the freezer
Sunday - Not sure yet

The Quilt is DONE!!!

The quilt is finally done.  I can't believe it!  I hope it brings in some good money at the auction!  I can't wait to see who bids on it.  I'm feeling so good, I may even make another one for the family.  We'll see...

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Experiment Cake Pops

Today's experiment:  to try to create these little cake pops from Bakerella.  Only I made them green!
I'm amazed at how easy they were.  Now to see how they taste!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - 3/15/10



Oh, goodness! Last week was quite the adventure. Brandon was traveling with the team all week and Davina caught pneumonia, so most of last week's menu plan went out the window. Good news, I did get to use up most of my pancake mix! Anyway, so I am still trying to prepare for Passover at the end of the month and clear out the freezer/fridge and pantry.


Monday - Grilled steak, spinach and garlic


Tuesday - Manicotti, and french bread


Wednesday - Shepherd's Pie and perhaps make these cake pops for dessert? If I get the chance, but they look sooo good!


Thurday - Steak fajitas


Friday - Challah(in the freezer), spaghetti and meatballs


Saturday - homemade pizza(in the freezer)

That's it for MPM.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - 3/8/10


Menu for the week - As we are counting down now until Passover at the end of the month, I am trying to use up the pasta, bread, rice supply in the house.


Monday - Roasted Chx, and veg.

Tuesday - Veggie stir fried rice, spring rolls, leftovers

Wednesday - Turkey Tacos

Thursday - Pasta (ravioli, maybe)

Friday - Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza (dough in the freezer)

Saturday - Something fun for the kids - maybe hot dogs and oven roasted fries?

Sunday - Manicotti (crepes in the freezer), garlic bread

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Quilt Progress


The top layer is finally done. Can't wait to start quilting it tomorrow.


"Hands"

Monday, March 1, 2010

Menu Plan Monday


Monday...already??

Here's to getting back to schedule again.

Sunday - Mu Shu Chx.
Monday - Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad
Tuesday - Spinach Ravioli Bake (I'm going to try to revise this for the Crock-Pot tonight)
Wednesday - Meatball Sandwiches, Broccoli/carrots
Thursday - Leftover Ravioli
Friday - Roasted Chx.
Saturday - Homemade Pizza with the kids

Okay, that's all for Menu Plan Monday