Saturday, February 25, 2012

Random snapshots from the Hungry Dog

Once again, this blog is dwindling in all ways (number of posts, quality of posts, clever insights, readership, comments) but with a few moments to spare on this lovely sunny Saturday (60 degrees in February!) I thought I'd jot a few random things down for you.

Espresso-Chocolate Shortbreads


These are pretty much ridiculous. I have made them twice in the last few weeks, given away a bunch, eaten even more of them, and thought of them nearly non-stop. They are super buttery, barely sweet, and laced with smokey espresso and hunks of bittersweet chocolate. I. Love. Them.

Also, as with so many Dorie Greenspan recipes, she gives up this fantastic method so brilliant I feel like a moron for not thinking of it myself. Here is it: make the dough. Dump it into a large ziploc bag (but don't seal). Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough so it forms an even layer and fills up the bag. Chill for a few hours. Then, cut the plastic away, cut out the cookies, and ta-da! Easy as...shortbread.

The best thing to do would be to buy Dorie's book but in the meantime you can also find the recipe here.

***

Happy belated birthday, pretty lady! In early February, we squeezed in a quick getaway to Sonoma where we toasted my mother's 75th birthday at the stunning Gloria Ferrer vineyard.


We stayed here, ate here, and drank wine here, here, and here. Great weather, food, and company. Not a bad way to mark a milestone!

I didn't take any food photos except for this one of my simple breakfast at the hotel cafe the morning we left:


Lox, cream cheese, baby arugula, capers, and red onion on a soft little brioche. I had to peel off nearly all the onions (too many for the morning), but other than that it was perfect.

 ***
 Channeling Cheryl Tiegs


Me, circa 1979. Where to start?

For one thing, what's with the pose? For another, you may not be able to tell, but that is a jumpsuit, not a dress. Finally, yes, it is paired with a white turtleneck. Ah, the 70's!

Happy weekend to you all!

23 comments:

  1. Those shortbread cookies are calling me...you are so lucky to have celebrated your mom's 75th, I love vineyards!!!...and, finally, I could show you some shots from the 70s that would make your toes curl...I think you look cute.

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  2. I do wish you posted more. I love your writing style and the fun things you find to write about. Still, these were enough to keep me entertained for a few days - love you in the jumpsuit, your Mom with a glass of champagne, and the hope of those cookies in my future. I made an insane recipe for chocolate ice cream yesterday and when it emerges from the freezer today, if it's any good, I'll share it with you. Tit for tat for those espresso shortbread cookies!

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  3. Samantha, those espresso shortbread cookies are insanely mouth-watering delicious! I ate four in five minutes! All they needed was that glass of sparkling wine! MOM

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  4. I remember the jumpsuits. I owned one too. Love the breakfast, only in California could it look that damn fresh.

    I think the Ziploc bag is the coolest thing ever...I know I would have never thought of it, on my ow.

    My husband and I spent a little time one afternoon at the Gloria Ferrer vineyards. The sparkling wine was delightful, we even shipped home a case. Happy Birthday to your mother!!!

    Velva

    P.S. Never stop blogging, please? :)

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  5. I love you circa 1979. Priceless! Next time you make the shortbreads please, please send me some. :)

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  6. Sue: I really do feel lucky to have celebrated my mom's 75th. It was a very memorable trip!

    zoom: Oh, thank you. YOu are one of my most devoted readers & commenters--THANK YOU! And that chocolate ice cream sounds divine...

    Mom:Weren't they delicious?

    Velva: Jumpsuits were kind of a thing in the 70s, right? Apparently even for kids. Glad you have made it to GF--that's a special spot.

    ALY: Done.

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  7. Wow, I forgot all about those jump suits. Your chocolate espresso bars look amazing. Who's Dorie?

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  8. your mom's so cute (and so were you--rockin' pose!)! i love that she leaves comments for you...my mom used to do that, but i fear she's lost interest. :)

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  9. agrigirl: Dorie Greenspan!

    grace: Aw, thanks!

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  10. Please never stop blogging! I'm incapable of frowning, but I do something that approximates a frown everytime when I click over to THD and don't see a new post for several weeks. Also - the lemon bars were amazing! We used extra zest to make limoncello. Should be ready in a month.

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  11. I love random shots, it just express freedom of expressions, don't you think? At the same time it brings back memories of our own as we reminisce on our own past ;)

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  12. Hey, hey, how're you going HD? Happy to read your posts - always. Happy belated birthday to your beautiful Mum. Love the 70s photo, but most of all, love the shortbread. So easy. And it sounds SO good.

    Write soon
    x Shaz :)

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  13. Ash: Aw, thanks! You are a loyal reader, I know. And it is certainly impossibly to imagine you frowning! Now, how can I get some of that limoncello?

    Christy:Absolutely!

    shaz: Give the shortbread a go. Might be a little strong for the little ones but you & Mr. KH would like them.

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  14. Did I take that photo? Shortbread looks good! Hope you don't stop blogging altogether...

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  15. I would be more shocked only if you were in shorts.

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  16. Jary: You might have...

    Claire: Dude, you will never catch me in shorts.

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  17. Happy happy Bday to your mom. I'm making those cookies pronto (and awesome tip) and I'm sooo loving the photo -- those 70's outfits are truly the best (almost as good as the ubiquitous giant glasses of the 80's).

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  18. Stacie: I'm sure you saw me in that outfit, back in the day.

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  19. How you didn't grow up to be a supermodel is beyond me! ;-) Oh, and coffee and chocolate make a killer combination!

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  20. If only I could find a jumpsuit like that now....

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  21. Ben: Hard to believe, isn't it? ;)

    DS: I could totally see you in that...

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  22. Happy Birthday to your mom!
    Love your pose! Cool outfit too. Was it your favorite?

    Yummy cookies...I make Smitten Kitchen's recipe...which was probably from Dorie's book! :)

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