Bye Mardi Gras

Last week was shortest long week ever. 

I was off for Mardi Gras (another benefit of working at a college in South Louisiana). Long four day weekend then only three days then off again for the weekend. 

The last king cake I made for the season 

It was only three working days but it dragged by and it felt like I hadn't had a break in months. I welcomed the weekend. 

But I was happy to have my parents down for a couple of days over the long weekend. We just tooled around town and I showed them some of the Mardi Gras stuff. But did steer clear of most of it. 

I did make them dinner the night they came into town. Spinach pasta w/an artichoke tomato sauce and caramelized onion and chicken meatballs. It was very tasty and they were happy. 

Getting dinner going for my parents 

I found the pasta at Fresh Market and I also bought the tomato sauce as well. I know... Some people frown upon store bought anything, but to me, if it is a great product and you like the company that produces it, why not? And I had just finished a week of making over 100 king cakes so I was looking for all the time saving help I could. 

So much yumminess 

The sauce did need some doctoring up. I cooked up the meatballs and some pancetta pieces and then poured the sauce into the same pan I cooked the pancetta (took the pancetta and meatballs out and put on a paper towels to absorb some of the grease and also wiped out some of the grease from the pan). I added in some artichoke hearts I had in the fridge, and tossed the cooked pasta to the mix and added the meatballs back to the pan. 

All finished. Spinach egg noodle pasta with artichoke and tomato sauce w/caramelized onion and chicken meatballs  

My parents were happy. When I served them the pasta with some garlic bread, I topped the pasta and meatballs with the crunchy pancetta pieces. They got seconds :)

It was also Valentines weekend as well... 

I went out to eat with my parents and my cousin, and then went back to the house. We made some cocktails and watched the Ole Miss basketball game. 

Instead of just flowers for Valentines, I got a garden. I have to say I was a very happy girl. Planted tomatoes, bell peppers, herbs and lettuce. Can't wait to write and tell y'all about how my plants are growing and what recipes I'm using them in. Happy Eating! 

My Valentines gift. A garden!! 

Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I hope all my American readers enjoyed their Thanksgiving! I was very thankful to get to spend time with my family and friends while I was home. Even had a clean-up helper. 

One sous chef getting some final bits off the plates 

                               

Now in full Christmas holiday mode, not that they don’t start before Halloween with Christmas advertisements. I do love this time of year stretching from October through January. I love kicking off with Halloween. The crazy holiday with very interesting history, but a fun night to dress-up and hang out with friends.

Thanksgiving is next up that gets us prepared for the Christmas season. A national day of thanks that gives us the time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Gets one in the spirit of not thinking of oneself but of others.

Since coming back from Thanksgiving break (perk of working at a college), I’ve been getting a lot prepped for up coming holiday parties, and making sure that I’m all stocked up with pastries for the coffee shops on campus since finals are upon us as well. It is amazing how much more the students go through the pastries during finals… study fuel.

Study fuel: L-R T-B: Muffins, sticky buns, croissants and cinnamon rolls 

One thing I do love about the three weeks back is getting to be even more creative with the small desserts for the holiday parties. The major one that we have is for the President Chancellor of LSU. I get to create lots of holiday cookies, petite fours, and other small finger desserts.

                    

Some of my favorite holiday treats to make are pate choux, or cream puffs. There is just something about them. Just so cute and then you can fill them or turn them into a croquembouche. Such a showstopper. Well, at least I think so. I also love creating gingerbread houses. The smell alone gets me into the Christmas spirit.  

Replica of the Faculty Club building that I work out of... Poured sugar made up the windows 

My most used recipes for this time of year are three main staples… ginger snap cookie, sugar cookie and pate choux recipes. I use these three the most because, ginger snaps are always a hit and are a lot like gingerbread cookies (I find them tastier), the sugar cookies because well they are great for decorating. Lastly the pate choux because you can make cream puffs and éclairs out of the dough. 

Later this week I'll be posting my recipes and what I've made out of them. Hopefully y'all will try them out and let me know how they work out for you! Hope you're having a great holiday season. Happy Eating!