Xmas Cookies

I'm made my favorite Xmas cookies last night. This is my first attempt at making them and they're not nearly as pretty as the ones my Mom makes, but still really yummy. I got the recipe out of my hand-me-down Betty Crocker cookbook that is probably older than I am.

Here it is!
Russian Teacakes, makes about 4 dozen

What you'll need:
1 cup of butter, softened
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cups of finely chopped walnuts
1/4 tsp of salt
some extra powdered sugar

Heat oven to 400ºF
Mix the butter, sugar and vanilla together. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until the dough holds together.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased sheet about an inch apart.
Throw it in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until they are set but not browned.
Remove from oven and let cool for a bit. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, let cool. Roll again when cool.
Then Enjoy! Yum!

Yogi Tea

I love tea, all kinds. I've especially been hooked on Yogi Tea's just plain old green tea. I think what I really love about Yogi Tea are the little fortunes that come on the tea bag. This weeks have been extra good. Todays is: "Your greatness is not what you have, it's what you give."

Mr. Murray

I'd really like to think that this is all one big prank, how great would it be if it was?

http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag/issues/20081207/Bill+Murray+NYCs+New+Party+Boy

Paige Russell

An old friend & former band mate has been popping up all over the place lately. I've seen her wonderful work on some of my favorite blogs and magazines. I have such a love for ceramics, especially ones that are so unique and thoughtful, which hers most certainly are. You can view her work on her website or if you want to buy you can find her locally at Hermitage or Life + Limb.

Some of my favorites:

Way to go P, can't wait to see what's next!

SGIF

Every Friday morning before we get out of bed, either Robb or I will say to each other "SGIF!".
Today I'm especially so glad its Friday. Enjoy the blue skies today and have a happy weekend!

Recipes

I've been meaning to post some recipes for a while now. I"ll post one of our favorite recipes once a week. Feel free to share any of your faves with me!

Fish Tacos, serves 4.
We had this originally with our friends Jeff & Jess. Jess is from Australia and this recipe comes from the Australian chef, Bill Granger.

1 cup of roughly chopped cilantro, leaves & stems (one of my FAVE ingredients)
2 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of cumin
1 small red chili, seeded & chopped
1 tsp of sea salt
fresh ground pepper
zest of 1 lime
1/3 cup of olive oil
1 lb. of firm white fish, cut in strips (we usually use cod)

Place all ingredients except the fish in a blender or a food processor and blend until it forms a paste. Place the fish in a bowl and stir in paste, marinate for 15 mins. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a high heat until hot, add the fish strips in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for 1 minute, or until the fish is fully cooked. Place on a serving platter and garnish with lime wedges.

I usually serve this with some shredded cabbage & lime mayo. The recipes for the lime mayo is as follows:
1 cup mayonnaise (this makes A LOT, you could cut it in half even for 4 ppl)
finely grated zest of 1 lime
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sea salt
Then just mix it all up and put on top of the tacos.

We usually use the small soft corn tortillas and just warm them up in the oven before putting the fish it. Easy peasy.