Recently I reordered some roasted garlic spice rub from NapaStyle. By accident, they sent me "World of Salt" instead. When I called to notify them of the error, they arranged a replacement shipment of the spice rub and "Merry Christmased" me on the salts. Not that I had a clue what to do with them, let alone how to open the stupid canisters (Sicilian salt everywhere).
The person I spoke to on the phone said they had lots of uses but really could not give me any ideas.
After some research (reading the side or the can), I deduced that they are "finishing salts" to be used a finish already cooked meats or veggies.
Honestly, most of the meals that I cook aren't fancy enough to need this. The only thing I have used them on so far were some ricotta, mushroom, and red onion thin crust pizzas. I don't keep a salt shaker on my table and rarely reach for one when dining out. Salt is not something I have been missing in my diet.
However, while I was perusing my cookie recipes this week, I had what Oprah calls an "Aha" moment. At least in the culinary if not the life changing sense of things. I remembered an article in the local newspaper's food section about all these expensive sea salts being the new "in" thing for chefs. I tossed the article in the trash, but I have a visual of one of the pictures....salt on a chocolate truffle. I remember thinking that would be really good. I like the sweet and salty combo. Like chocolate covered pretzels, or, the Sweet n' Salty Peanut Butter Nature's Valley bars that disappear from the break room at work whenever a new shipment comes in. My coworkers hoard them in their desks (me too, guilty).
That's why I can't decide between the Cappucino Flats or the Thumbprint Cookies for my Christmas Cookie List. Both would be good with some "finishing salt" sprinkled over the top!!
So, this week I have Thursday and Friday off....and the weekend.
It's time for me to bake cookies.
I always get this urge this time of year. I don't have the money to buy gifts for everyone in the office and book club..so I decided to do cookies. I started with a list of 3 recipes and have worked up to a possible 6 or 7 after going through all my recipes. To make in 4 days. BTW, I also need to finish my family shopping, have a doctor's appointment, need to attend the Co Xmas party Friday night, and run the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon Sunday. Book Club meeting is Tuesday.
Goal is to get most done Thursday and Friday, as I will most likely be hungover on Saturday and physically wiped out on Sunday afternoon.
My list:
Snickerdoodles: My favorite. Easy and comforting. Everybody loves.
Peppermint Swirls: Sugar cookie dough spiked with peppermint extract. Divided into thirds, one third tinted green, another red, result is a light tricolor wafer cookie.
Gingerbread: My mother has been making this recipe for as long as I can remember. Cutouts in classic gingerbread shapes: men, women, stars, canes, hearts and angels. Outlined in white sugar icing and decorated with gumdrops and mini M&Ms. By far the most labor intensive of the list.
Orange Almond: Flavored with orange juice, chopped almonds worked into the dough. Frosted and garnished with orange peel.
Cappucino Flats: A coffee and chocolate ice box cookie, that is sliced, baked, then half dipped in chocolate.
Lemonade Cookies: Stumbled across this recipe that my grandmother always made for us every summer. Not a Christmas cookie, really, but I am feeling nostalgic for them. Made with frozen lemonade concentrate, baked, then brushed with more concentrate. Will add festive green and red sprinkles.
Thumbprint Cookies with Caramel Filling and Chocolate Drizzle: Self explanatory.
What is your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table?
Submitted by Kadeeae.
Roasted Brussell Sprouts..with bacon!
What is your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table?
Submitted by Kadeeae.
Roasted Brussell Sprouts..with bacon!
