Finally, the creme brulee picture is here!

This was sooo yummy!

Jim Lefager's bon voyage BASH

So, what to make for this gala event?  I'm doing a party for the hub's 60th birthday this weekend.  I'm responsible for the turkey, mashed potatoes and dessert.  I'll be attempting individual creme brulees (my husband LOVES it) and chcocolate pot de creme. 
If they turn out, maybe I'll make those!

Easter

Made lemon curd this weekend for Easter.  YUM! 

2 lemons (recipe called for three, but I only used two)
1-1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
6 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup lemon juice

Zest each of the lemons and place into food processor with the sugar.  Pulse until the zest is completely incorporated into the sugar.  In a separate bowl, cream the butter and add sugar until well mixed.  Add each egg, one at a time, and beat well.  Finally, add the lemon juice and mix once more.

In a deep saucepan, add the mixture and cook over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken - approx 10 minutes.  You don't want this to boil - cook until just short of that.  Make sure to stir constantly as this can easily scorch.  Chill and eat with biscuits, croissants, etc. 

Pie day wasn't so great for me

I tried the crostata and decided I don't like ricotta cheese!  Instead, I made an asparagus tart (like a quiche), but was not impressed.  Won't be posting the recipe for that one either ...

Pie day, April 14 -- Leek and swiss chard crostata

Making the dough this weekend.  Will post more later.

Husband's 60th birthday bash

So I'm having a family party for my husband who turns 60 in early May (the party is scheduled for the last weekend in April).
He isn't a cake guy, so being inspired by the Little Bites cookbook, I'm going to post recipes (and pictures) of the desserts I'll be making:  creme brulee and chocolate pots de creme!  YUM -- more to follow soon.

Shrimp paella

olive oil
4 strips bacon
2 C. chopped onion
1 C. chopped bell pepper
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 heaping tablespoons flour
1 C. chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1-1/2 C. chicken broth
1 C. frozen okra
1/2 lb. raw shrimp
1 C. rice

Cook the bacon til crispy and remove from pan.  Using about 1 tsp of the bacon fat, add the olive oil and saute the onions, bell pepper, crushed pepper flakes, paprika, salt and pepper for 5 min.  Sprinkle the flour into the onion mixture and cook 2 min - until flour is mixed in and turns to a paste.  Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth - allow to thicken.  Add the okra and cook for 15 min.  Finally, add the raw shrimp and cook until shrimp turns pink.  Add the bacon bits at the end - serve over rice.

When I made my rice, I mixed 1/4 tsp. of saffron threads into the mixture.