Michelle – Page 2

It’s a New Year – and Michelle’s back

January 21, 2015 by Michelle

Yes, I’ve been busy, but I’m back. But for this new year I need a little help. Over time, the blog and it’s posts have changed from it’s original mission. Way back when we started this Wednesday post thing, it was to accent Kathy’s healthy living posts. But, as many things go, it’s morphed a bit. That’s not a bad thing – change is good. But that puts me in a bit of a spot. Where to go next? So I thought I’d ask – where do you want me to go?

Kathy’s going to keep Wednesday’s open for me to come up with something creative and fun – but since her blog has become very involved with local activities, throwing in a recipe for a diet cookie is a bit off base. Unless, that’s something you’re interested in? Maybe stick to DIY projects? Or should I keep them to my own local activities and photos? A sort of Hernando County version of what Kathy’s doing – hmm, that’s an idea. This brainstorming session is good – I literally just thought of that.

So, what’ve you got. Post a reply or email me,….what can I do for you in 2015?

Until then,…in keeping with what Kathy’s up to. They go to car shows,… and I love crazy license plates. Here’s a few from this weekend. Yes, all in just a 2 day span! I’m like a magnet for them !

Everyone loves Mr Penut ! But who on earth would come to an antique extravaganza in a convertible Mini? Someone who collects silver spoons I suppose – no chandeliers for that guy!

Oh yeah,…and Junker Dave showed up all the way from North Dakota (I think). See, I love seeing how creative people can get with just a few letters !

I love guessing what some of them mean, and what type of person drives that kind of vehicle. This one’s a bit of a no-brainer.

Let’s see – I’m guessing this lady is a peace loving religious ranchers wife from Orlando with an expensive hobby/business shabby chic-ing e v e r y t h i n g ? Just sayin’

Hmm, and Junkn2 is …? Possibly a pink convertible Corvette? (who knew Barbie was real)

They sell ribs - just a guess. — They sell ribs – just a guess.

As if the signs on the truck weren’t enough – I think these folks sell bar-b-que.

He just can't burn that fuel fast enough! — He just can’t burn that fuel fast enough!

On our way home…jumping the line, this guy is clearly proud of his negative carbon credit account, with his ‘HAHA MPG’ tag.

Last but not least, the cheery Florida Arts tag : IB SINGN

So, have you given it some thought? What’d you want to see more of – I have to come up with 52 of them. I’ve got some work to do!

TTFN, Michelle

2014 Cookie Week, Day 3

December 17, 2014 by Michelle

Holiday Butter Cookies (Made Better)

Today’s Cookie Feature comes from MICHELLE @ Badzoot.com!

Cookie Day is the most Happiest Day of the year!! Well, it is here anyway. Leading up to Cookie Day, there are many cookie days at my house as my guys love cookies. I mean, they’d both rather have a cookie over most any cake – cupcake – or candy. Maybe not a doughnut though, few things beat out a doughnut… ok, maybe a doughnut in the microwave. Yep, that’s a real winner.

One of my cookie attempts was not exactly labeled as a ‘winner’. In fact this was a real ugly duckling. I’m glad I never took blog-photos. This cookie has to be the only recipe flop I’ve ever had from King Arthur Flour. Somehow, I’m sure it was user-error. My fault. Another thing I’m sure of is my inability to toss anything even remotely edible. So, this is what I did.

But first, just a little click for the recipe in question…

Holiday Butter Cookies

See? It sounds really good – right? Yeah, who can’t get behind a good old fashioned shortbread. OK, so I made the dough and refrigerated it…this is where it went all wrong. I think I let it sit for too long. Anyway, by the time I went to bake it, the dough had become a brittle poorly done pie dough consistency. It crumbled and was unrollable. I was ready to toss it and then thought..it’s no longer a cookie – it’s really a shortbread. Then, just bake it like one – why not.

I pulled out a small cookie sheet, about 14 x 9 and pressed the crumbled bits into a flat mass. I baked it for about 20 minutes at the recommended 350deg. from the original cookie recipe. After 20 plus minutes, out cake a sheet of golden crispy goodness. In the recipe it calls for an interesting extract/flavor called fiori di sicilia. This is something worth investing in. It’s that hard-to-describe flavor from numerous baked goods like Italian Panettone bread. A combination of vanilla and citrus that if, in a pinch, could be used as perfume. Delicious.

This brick of butter and sugar was still very bland. Which means one thing – it must be smothered in chocolate. So, I did. This was a very good idea. I took about a half a package of semi-sweets and a bit (maybe 1/3 cup) of the 60% Cocoa Ghiradelli chips, and melted them. After the cookie was nearly cool, I spread out the chocolate, and because it’s Christmas I sprinkled on some coconut. Perfect.

This experiment / resurrection passed the test with my cookie guys. Then what was left, I brought along to Cookie Day. Nobody turned them down. They’re good – try ‘em for your own Cookie Day.

Michelle @ Badzoot.com

Thanksgiving ‘Signature Drink’ : Apple Cidercar

November 26, 2014 by Michelle

Yup, I’m in the kitchen,…having a drink ! Most times, when I have people over for any gathering, I’ll look around for an interesting drink or cocktail to serve. A few years back I pulled one from the Williams-Sonoma annals. The ‘Apple Cidercar’ was posted due to using their Apple Cider Concentrate, which they still sell and is wonderful! This is an incredible concoction –

This year Thanksgiving is going to be a smaller affair, with most extended family with other engagements. So, I wasn’t planning on any signature drinks. Never the less, I’m cooking a large feast to make plenty of leftovers for the attendees. This means I’ve been busy,…and not blogging! Oops!

This tired blogger needs a drink – and one I can blog. Oh, yeah – I give to you…

The Apple Cidercar.

Move that cooking aside and get this checked off your ‘to-do’ list, because this should be made in advance. Tomorrow shake a bit over some ice and served to arriving guests.

You’ll need:

1 -1/4 Cup (10oz) Apple Cider (or 5oz Apple Cider Concentrate + 5oz Water)

2/3 Cup (5oz) Cointreau

1/3 Cup (3oz) Brandy

1/4 Cup (2oz) Fresh Lemon Juice (about 2 lemons worth)

Step 2

Find a sweet bail-top bottle or mason jar to keep the mix in. Taste that cider too. I’d bought a new kind made with Honey Crisp apples, and I’m not impressed. It has a weak apple taste and no ‘bite’. This is where the Cider Concentrate comes in. It really was very good. But I didn’t have any. What I do have is this baking ingredient called ‘Boiled Cider’ and it’s wonderful as well. About a tablespoon added in and I’m set.

Step 3

What’s with the naked lemons in the background? Well, before this I’d made Limoncello – and that makes for a citrus pith expose.’

Finale:

So, I advise you get the goodies for this one to serve to your Thanksgiving guests,…and any other reason you can find to make this!

[yumprint-recipe id=’14’]