Fallen Souffle

Ahh! I am so slow, I have had my Blogging by Mail 3 package for almost a week and I have not posted about it yet!

I received a absolutely wonderful package from the hostess herself, Cathy from My Little Kitchen on Monday and the timing could not have been any better seeing as all the drama began on Monday! It definitely lifted my spirits to see a package waiting for me!

I received some wonderful goodies from the Maryland/DC area where Cathy is from including some Bean Soup and a lovely ornament. She also baked me some yummy treats including her Grandmother’s Date Bread (which I must confess I have not tried because I am taking it to my parent’s for Thankgiving so we can all enjoy it!)as well as some Swedish Tea Cookies, her Mother’s recipe. I have all but devoured the cookies and cannot wait to make more! They are my new favorite cookies!

And how could I forget the Scharffen Berger Cacao Nibs which made my Mom absolutely jealous. I have to hide these babies from Evan! I also received some Maple Candies which represent her holiday plans of visiting her brother in Vermont- I am so jealous- I have always wanted to go to Vermont! This all in addition to a magazine of the area as well as her local food section and store flyer made for a spectacular care package!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Cathy for a very thoughtful package, I have thoroughly enjoyed it all!

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So I actually made all of this on Thursday morning. I don’t know what got into me, I started at about 9am and ended around 11:30am, I then realized that I was still in my PJ’s and Evan was going to be home for lunch at noon, so I ran to take a shower so I didn’t look like a total bum.

I made hot pepper jelly for gift giving, a totally southern thing. I was nervous about canning myself because I usually can with Mom, and it is alot easier with an extra pair of hands. I also didn’t have all of the equipment, so I had to improvise. But is all worked out, all of the jars sealed and it even gelled really well! I was super nervous because when it cooled it was still very syrupy, but the next day it thickened just fine. I used 3 green peppers, 2 red peppers and 7 jalepenos. I took the seeds out and chopped them in the food processor. I followed the recipe on the SureGel box which also included a cup of apple cider vinegar, 5 cups of sugar and 4 cups of the chopped peppers. If you want to make this recipe I would totally recommend using SureGel and following their method.

I also made biscotti, I sent this to my Blogging by Mail partner. This recipe is so easy to make and super versatile. This would make a great gift with a small packet of coffee. I used the zest and juice of one orange and half a package of dried cranberries in this batch. But mini chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon almond extract or anise extract would be great too.

Holiday Biscotti
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
3 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
flavoring of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium, beat together oil, eggs, sugar, and liquid flavorings until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. If you are adding nuts, dried fruit or chopped chocolate - fold them in now. Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as the cookie sheet. Flatten the roll to about 1/2 inch thickness.

3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cook slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut into 1/2 slices, diagonal slices are always pretty. Place the cut side up on the baking sheet and bake for 6-10 minutes on each side. Slices will be lighly toasted.

4. After cooling, you may dip or drizzle with melted chocolate.

I would get so much done if I was this motivated everyday!

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