brazil and macadamia nut biscotti is buttery good


to see recipe for brazil and macademia nut biscotti click on picture

Biscotti has become one of our family staples for two reasons: first Biscottis can be manipulated to be reasonable on a calorie  basis; secondly, they go great with our preferred beverage, coffee; lastly, making Biscottis isn’t as challenging as one might think and offers an opportunity to experiment.  So, I added two favorite items Brazil Nuts and Macadamia nuts and this equals a buttery heaven.

enjoy, I did!

Roger

birthdays and indulgences

I have always enjoyed others birthdays more than my own and not because of any false modesty, but because I  found it more pleasurable to see their happy faces. However, I guess I have to get used to the idea that those younger than me — and that number seems to be increasing at a staggering rate — are beginning to celebrate birthdays — like mine — with amazement. I do understand this a little, I look at those who turn 100 in the same way!

April 14th had some interesting events: although President Lincoln was shot on this day , this is balanced by the facts that the first abolitionist group was started in America and Harriet Tubman began her ‘underground railroad’ to transfer escaping slaves to the northern ‘free states’ also on this day. Yes,  the ‘Titanic’ hit an iceberg today (1912) , yet the first edition of Websters dictionary appeared ( an important day to me!). Ron Steiger and Julie Christie share this birthday and the first space shuttle Columbia was launched (1981), which thrilled almost everyone.

So, if your birthday is today… happy birthday! Enjoy the day

Roger

PS. special thanks to Karla who made this cute birthday picture of me

kitchenaid is the holy grail of kitchen appliances

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kitchen aid heavy duty mixer
Professional 600 6 Qt. Stand Mixer Nickel Pearl (KTA KP26M1XNP )

I have always enjoyed cooking; however, outside of cutlery, I have seldom paid the ticket for the more expensive kitchen equipment. In fact, I have received a lot of good natured ribbing about some of the antiques that can be found in my kitchen, like the 1800’s meat grinder and the 1940’s KitchenAid mixer. So, it was finally time to upgrade.

Years ago, I wanted a better oven and opted for a KitchenAid gas with a convection oven. As most who bake know, gas convection ovens are best. I decided to take a jump and look at what was available on the KitchenAid site. I had no prejudice against buying a refurbished mixer, but it had to be heavy duty and have steel gears.

What’s nice is that it will be here soon.

Roger Freberg

Yes, Karen, Karla and Kristin, I had to have the ice cream maker!

for a birthday, the meal must be special

Nothing calls to home more than Scandinavian Meatballs!

One of the nicest traditions I have observed is serving the person with a birthday the meal they most desire. It is nice to go out to dine, but something made at home has always been my favorite. Well, my birthday is coming up in a week or so, and since I could have anything I wanted, I wanted to make it myself. Some of you may not think that is a real good birthday present, but for me, preparing something special is fun…. even if it is on my birthday. Besides, much of what I am thinking about can be made the day before and so the actual preparation on the birthday is minimized.

my tiramisu with manfingers
My Tiramisu with 'manfingers' is delicious!

So, I thought that I’d prepare some  Scandinavian Meatballs,  a nice salad and my Tiramisu for dessert. I am still thinking about the wine at this point.

oh yes, let there be Roquefort!
oh yes, let there be Roquefort!

I always enjoy the simple meal on my birthday, I hope yours is as pleasant.

Roger Freberg