Sunday, March 22, 2009

The Round Table

Though the dangers of making a cake for oneself are manifold, the pros definitely outweighed the cons. So I did. Enter a Key lime and coconut one-layer, warm. The icing is just as I like it: a little liquid with powdered sugar. A glaze. There is something infinitely cunning about a one-layer cake because to me it is a personal dessert that is made for one sitting. Like a tea, or a morning visit. I would call the two layer classic, and the one layer homemade for you fun giggle oh here's your cloth napkin. I am still nibbling on my one-layer with a Red Mango spoon and will soon divide it in parts to parcel out to the unsuspecting. I prefaced the fresh cake with carne asada tacos. This surprised even me as I could easily be vegetarian. The rub is spiced and the finale in a cast iron skillet is nicely charred. I used 2 percent Fage yogurt and will now endorse that as well. And, drizzling lime juice from the cake was fortuitous. The warmed tortillas are steam and humidity. It was a well-rounded meal.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Happy Trails

At The Book Cellar last Thursday, I found a small cookbook that charmed with its text layout and illustrations. It is the Ford Treasury of Favorite Recipes from Famous Eating Places published in 1950 by Simon and Schuster. The book cover is a fold-out map of the U.S. Printed on the lower book jacket leaf is the price: $1.50. I paid the same price in 2009.

Ford and Lincoln-Mercury published favorite recipes from taverns and restaurants to induce a road trip in a slick new auto. This compilation is divided geographically: Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, West.

Clearly, this is an era that celebrates Hawaii's unionization. And, who wouldn't want Hawaii? Pineapple and coconut abound in the receipts. Pimentos, soya sauce, nut meats, and cream. My friend G and I were particularly enthralled with Fanny's Salad Dressing with chutney, tarragon vinegar, ground pecans, orange juice, celery, fresh tomatoes, and more. For this, there are no quantities because you see even now, the dressing is available mail order. Fanny refused offers of up to $10,000 for her recipes. In Evanston, Illinois, "Fanny's" however seems to be closed. We plan to order two jars of the sauce.

Equally thought-provoking is French-fried Deviled Eggs at Emily Shaw's in Poundridge, NY. Chocolate Yeast Cake from Edgerton's Dutch Manor in Chattanooga, TN. Neither of us were game for Banana Meat Rolls from The Gold Eagle in Beaufort, South Carolina. Served with cream sauce and chopped parsley. Brian would welcome Viennese Apple Strudel from Holiday House in St. Joseph, Michigan. G thinks we should make the Pear Bel-Air, a creamy fruity thing. Chicken Pago-Pago, Maine Blueberry Griddle Cakes, Bunuelos, Hamburger de Luxe, Baked Puget Sound King Salmon, Cumberland Sauce, and Angel Pie.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

For the Time Being

1. This afternoon is sunny but not as warm as it should be for looks like this.
2. I love the sweater I got at Gap Outlet for $4.99.
3. There is a pot of tofu chili bubbling on the stove.
4. I ate a huge lunch.
5. I am down a camera as I left mine in Fobs' stroller at Disneyland. Until we meet again.
6. The Ella Fitzgerald CD is over.
7. The last tray of these cookies look like chocolate since I missed the timer.
8. I am in the mood to wear a bathing suit.
9. The Vista strawberries I bought yesterday did not disappoint.
10. The makings of an India-inspired necklace have been sitting on my desk/table for about a week.