Category Archives: holidays

I picked up the pie pans again, at Scott’s request, and dove back into perfecting my Key lime pie recipe. He officially rated this most recent attempt as an 8. I would have hoped for higher, but he softened the blow by telling me that he hasn’t actually experienced an 8 before. He also threatened me by telling me that it would take a “big leap” to get to a 9. Um, I’m pretty sure that’s not how it works! I thought the consistency of the filling was just right. Firm enough to keep its shape, while being neither sticky nor cakey. The meringue was nicely browned, crispy on the tips, fluffy elsewhere… I am having trouble cutting into the pie without squishing the meringue. That’s something I’ll need to work on for future versions. I’m thinking higher temp for shorter time. As far as taste goes… it was tart enough to induce a slightly fizzy mouthfeel, and the tartness built with each bite. But… I think I can go further. I need to reach 9, if not 10!

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Easter baskets, as an adult: My mom still brings me treats, but they are no longer in basket form. On Sunday, my mom brought over two small boxes each of Peeps and Bunnies, a plastic egg full of M&Ms, and a bunch of fresh asparagus.

I’m stoked about the asparagus.

We watched La Vie En Rose, which I knew was going to be good, but this film BLEW ME AWAY. Marion Cotillard’s performance is fucking amazing. It easily deserved the two Oscars® it won.

Todd, master of all things Bloody Mary/Maria, came over for breakfast today. Next time, I’ll try to remember to eat something BEFORE drinking one of Todd’s bloodies. It’s a little odd to be that tipsy before 10am. However, it’s entirely possible that it was the tequila that inspired Marci to cook up a batch of macadamia shrimp as our “breakfast appetizer,” and the shrimp was tasty. Also, the recipe is mighty easy and I might maaaaybe add it to my otherwise vegetarian New Year’s Eve menu.

From the shrimp, we moved on to homemade biscuits and gravy (and fried eggs and fruit salad) and good conversation. And a bit of tail wagging and good-natured begging under the table from Dexter and Star.

Dinner was at the home of some friends of M&D’s, with lots of raucous laughter and the food… oh, my, the food. Suzanne brought a ton of cheese (dill havarti, horseradish Cheddar, herbed chevre, and a baked brie), which we managed to plow through while watching Robert and Martha prep dinner. We were stuffed with cheese just in time to sit down to a fabulous meal of Marci’s prime rib and Yorkshire puddings, plus carrots sautéed with butter and shallots, a hash of Brussels sprouts, bacon, and pistachios, whipped horseradish potatoes, and a leafy salad. And, while we were eating, the oven was still working for us, this time on a wonderful pear tart with a frangipane-like almond crust, and a magic sticky-toffee pudding that Robert, a Brit, gleefully added to the mix. And a big bowl of whipped cream, of course. I will admit here: I don’t much care for toffee pudding, but this one was excellent and I hope to make it myself some time soonishy.

I shall sleep tonight feeling warm and full of good food and better friends.

Tomorrow, we say our sad goodbyes and head back to Colorado, weather permitting. Fingers are crossed!