just what every cook needs...

the fissler diamond encrusted pot.

this is what happens...

when you give me a new cookbook.

every one of those post it notes represents a recipe i want to try. and that's just ONE cookbook.

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

after my allergy shots tonight i went by the cambrian farmers market. i got a nice box of squash blossoms that was supposed to be $3.00 for 10 but ended up being $3.00 for 13. i guess someone at the farm can't count. anyway, i have been wanting to try this since i read about it in one of my italian food magazines. i had some mozzarella medallions in the fridge.

after gently washing the blossoms i stuffed them with mozzarella, then i made up a batter from flour, pellagrino, an egg, garlic salt, and fresh ground mixed peppercorns and dipped each one in it.


i fried them one at a time in a small pan of vegetable oil and drained them on a paper towel.

once the excess oil was drained i plated them and sprinkled them with a little gray sea salt.

the taste testers of team barbie have pronounced them yummy and requested more. :)

i just might need to buy these...

hockey candy molds

who's got napastyle?

the city of Los Gatos does now...

Mrs. L says over here that the adorable michael chiarello was going to be in Los Gatos at the opening of his new store Napa Style. Mrs. L was not able to go because it was her mother's birthday so i went instead. :)

michael was charismatic and charming. and oh so cute!

rocky road snack cake

Rocky Road Snack cake
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup soy flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup cubed reduced-fat firm tofu (about 6 ounces)
1/2 cup vanilla-flavored low-fat soy milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup miniature marshmallows, divided
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, divided
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°.
Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flours, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Combine sugar, tofu, soy milk, and butter in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in 2/3 cup marshmallows and 1/4 cup walnuts.

Spread the batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining marshmallows and walnuts. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 5 minutes. Cut into squares.

Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake...

my neighborhood block party was held this past saturday night. one of my neighbors brought this cake as a dessert to share. it is SO good and easy as pie! i made it last night to bring to work today.

BETTER THAN SEX CHOCOLATE CAKE

1 (18 1/2 oz.) pkg. German chocolate cake mix
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 jar caramel sauce
12 oz. carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 Heath bars, crushed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9x13x2 inch pan. Prepare cake mix as directed on package; pour into prepared pan. After 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Continue baking until cake is done.
While cake is still hot, poke holes in it with handle of wooden spoon. Pour sweetened condensed milk over cake; let cool. Top with caramel sauce, then whipped topping. Sprinkle with candy bars. 12 to 16 servings.