Book Review

gladys taber’s charbroiled hamburgers with louella’s “goop”

April 6, 2012
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gladys taber’s charbroiled hamburgers with louella’s “goop”

~ Louella’s goop ~ I collect many different authors’ books. Among them are the amazing works of a lovely lady by the name of Gladys Taber. I currently own 35 of her wonderful books, and I’m always on the lookout for more. The first Gladys book I bought was at a second hand store and I paid a dime for it. It’s still my favorite book by her, and it’s called Stillmeadow Calendar. It’s in pristine condition, and I can hardly believe my luck in finding it every time I see it on my bookshelf! I have a few of Gladys’ cookbooks, but I especially love the little recipes she has peppered throughout her beautiful, autobiographical journals. This recipe for Louella’s Goop is one of them! ~ ~ ~...

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spinach & carrot ramekins with bechamel

March 11, 2012
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spinach & carrot ramekins with bechamel

~ spinach & carrot ramekins with bechamel ~ This is a recipe adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, the beautiful Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros. You can make these in seperate little (2 inch) ramekins, or in one big glass casserole pan. This time I made them in a big pan and cut out individual custards with a metal, heart-shaped cookie cutter. I think they turned out really cute, and it’s a great way to get the kids to eat veggies. These are yummy, sweet and creamy with the slight flavor of nutmeg. preheat oven to 350 degrees F 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 5 cups loosely-packed, fresh spinach leaves 4 and 1/2 Tablespoons butter 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 and 1/3 cups whole milk, warmed...

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tassajara twice baked yams on the “half shell”

March 5, 2012
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tassajara twice baked yams on the “half shell”

When I was visiting my friend Jana I skimmed her copy of this book… I had just been discussing this book with my friend Shelly a week or two before that. I think the universe is trying to tell me something…so…I ordered my own copy. I did jot down a couple recipes to try whilst skimming, and this one was a hit with my family. Beautiful presentation, and the bright flavor of fresh orange mixed with yams is sure to brighten up your dinner on a dreary winter evening! ~ tassajara twice baked yams on the “half shell” ~ 2 large yams, baked whole until fork tender 2 large, fresh, juicy oranges 3 Tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves dash of...

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six senses saturday

February 25, 2012
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six senses saturday

feeling :: newly felted wool sweaters for mitten making tasting :: rotisserie chicken tacos smelling :: Jeff’s crafish bisque simmering on the stove hearing :: Ray Lamontagne sing THIS, THIS and THIS seeing :: big mooshy kitty snoozing on big mooshy comforter and the gorgeous, fabulous, can’t get enough of it… COCO before Chanel knowing :: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough, or a book long enough, to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis What are you up to today? ~Melissa

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tomato bisque ~ two ways

February 15, 2012
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tomato bisque ~ two ways

~ Tearoom Tomato Basil Bisque ~ We LOVE tomato soup in our house. As the beginning of a meal or to dip gooey grilled cheese sandwiches into, it’s one of our favorites. Above is my riff on the tomato basil bisque we use to serve at “The Tale of Two Sisters Tearoom” here in Red Wing. I like it because it’s easy to make, light, and absolutely delicious. 1/4 cup unsalted butter 6 Tablespoons sugar 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 (32 oz.) cans diced tomatoes 1/4 cup chopped, fresh basil 18 oz. chicken broth (undiluted) cream or greek yogurt, if desired salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Saute onions and sugar in butter until translucent. Add baking soda. Add tomatoes and chicken broth...

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five passionate cookbooks & a romantic recipe for breakfast in bed

February 12, 2012
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five passionate cookbooks & a romantic recipe for breakfast in bed

Valentine Treat #5… My favorite passionate cookbooks! The Passionate Palate by  Desiree Witkowski Aphrodite by Isabel Allende Intercourses by Martha Hopkins & Randall Lockridge The Erotic Baker Cookbook by Karen Dwyer & Patrika Brown Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach Stay-in-Bed Fruit and Wine Omelet recipe adapted  from the beautiful book… The Passionate Palate by Desiree Witkowski “Pamper your loved one. A make-ahead breakfast in bed is guaranteed to make good memories. Prepare the night before, then bake in the morning. Serve with champagne and a kiss.” ~ Desiree Witkowski 1 lb. lean, bulk sausage 1 cup mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 6 large eggs 1 cup good, fruity, white wine 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dry mustard 3 slices French bread, cubed 1 cup sliced...

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rose ylang ylang massage oil

February 10, 2012
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rose ylang ylang massage oil

~ rose ylang ylang massage oil ~ “All thoughts, all passions, all delights, whatever stirs this mortal frame, are all but ministers of love, and feed his sacred flame.” ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge Did you know that I wrote a “home spa” book? Yup. I did. It’s called Chin Deep in Bubbles and on pages 35 and 36 are the instructions for doing a spa massage at home. And…on page 34 there is a simple recipe for making a wonderful massage oil You won’t believe how easy it is. Here’s your third surprise in our week of Valentine treats! Enjoy! In a glass bottle, combine: 2/3 cup wheat germ oil 1/3 cup grape seed oil or sweet almond oil 15 drops vitamin E oil 10 to 30 drops of your...

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beef & carrots in stout with horseradish parsley dumplings

February 8, 2012
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beef & carrots in stout with horseradish parsley dumplings

~ beef & carrots in stout with horseradish parsley dumplings ~ I made a pot of this hearty, yummy beef stew yesterday for our dinner. Tonight I’m bringing some over to my friend Clare’s quilting studio and we’re going to have a little nosh and a glass of vino before we dig in to our new quilting projects. I discovered the recipe for this hearty dish in the cookbook Plenty by Diana Henry and Mitchell Beazley. There are a few things I’ll change the next time I make this. I felt it needed more seasoning, a couple cloves of garlic, and low sodium beef broth in place of the water. Otherwise it was just perfect. It goes together much like boeuf borguignon and is lovely with a hunk of...

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lemony olive oil banana bread

November 16, 2011
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lemony olive oil banana bread

The days are getting shorter and colder here in Minnesota. Autumn’s panoply of color, almost spent…leaving tree skeletons against a backdrop of gunmetal grey sky. We’ve been making lots of tea, baking lots of bread, and there is almost always a big pot of some kind of soup in the refrigerator. I’ve been flipping on my “happy” light when I enter my studio space every morning in an attempt to soak in the “caribbean-like” rays so that vitamin D can work it’s magic. I love the creative energy flowing in our house these days. Lots of art, photography and writing happening. I’m going to tackle my manuscript again very soon. Last edit on the novel. The part where I get to “check every tooth,” fill in the missing spaces...

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teatime tuesday ~ chai bath soak

November 15, 2011
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teatime tuesday ~ chai bath soak

Here’s a little home-spa treat for you! From page 82 of my book, Welcome Home. Happy Teatime Tuesday! Enjoy, XO, ~Melissa

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