Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Rhubarb Rugelach

One of my hummingbirds that love fuchsia nectar
Today as I am writing this post, it is the first day of Summer 2011!! Yay! I'm so happy it is officially SUMMER! We have a beautiful day here with clear blue skies and a high of 84 expected! Double Yay!! The air conditioning might even turn on today instead of the furnace. I hope that you have a fantastic summer. I will try to post when I have time but I plan to spend as much time outdoors and be as busy as possible this summer, so who knows how often it will actually happen. I have so many things I want to do and places to go before fall arrives. I hope that you enjoy every single day of your summer. 


It has been a long time since I have consistently posted recipes, and this morning I found out just how long it has been. I have had over a dozen titled posts that have been sitting here for over a month. I opened the oldest one called "Mango Madness," that I titled in the middle of May. I couldn't remember what it was about and opened it to see what was in there that would jog my memory. Well, it was empty. Not a word, a picture or a recipe! I am really curious now and am hoping I come across something that jogs my memory. It must have been good if I took the time to title a blog. It sounds good and I want to know what that was!  

I found the recipe for rhubarb rugelach in the Portland magazine, Farmer's Market edition. It was the first time I made rugelach and I was a little disappointed. Actually, quite disappointed! The filling had an amazing texture and was full of flavor. You simmer the rhubarb with whole star anise and vanilla bean. Yummy, it smelled so good while it was simmering. My disappointment was with the dough. It was on the tough side and I was expecting a tender crust. I should have realized it would be though because it was very hard to roll out. I wondered if it should have been almost room temperature first. Hindsight is always 20/20. They looked beautiful and everyone that had some said it was really good but I think they were just being nice. I plan on making this recipe again but not until after I read through another rugelach recipe and get some tips on the best way to handle the crust.

I wish I had taken a picture. I usually take my pictures before I serve and because I didn't purposely serve these, alas, no pictures! They really did look great!


                                  

Rhubarb Rugelach

         

Rhubarb, Rugelach, Star Anise, Cinnamon,

         

        See Rhubarb Rugelach on Key Ingredient.     

    


 Enjoy!



Monday, June 20, 2011

This Gramma Had a Birthday

I had a very special birthday week this year. I had the best time celebrating with my extended family for the first time in many years.



Saturday Lunch with my dear hubby at The Stone Cliff Inn 


The view from our table

Above the Clackamas River

My leftover salad

Saturday Dinner: a Cena with my sister Lori and her family


One of our appetizers, Roman Artichoke appetizer - very hard to get.
When available, it is for a very short time.

Duck ala "something special" (we don't remember)

Garganelli







Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Pappardelle

My dish was Agnolotti, with huge pieces of the most amazing lobster. Too bad, my picture was too washed out to post. Amazing food! Can't wait to go back!


SundayThe Benson Hotel - London Grill Brunch

Crepe, Signature potato souffle, eggs Benedict and fruit

They even sang to me!

The mirror in the background is the largest hanging mirror in the Portland area - in case of earthquake, runnnnnn...fast!

My handsome men

Sunday Afternoon: Heirloom Rose Garden, Saint Paul, Oregon with mom and dad.



 






 
Monday Lunch: Typhoon in West Linn with my parents and sibs, missing Deb who is in SoCal.

Sister, sister, brother, sister's hand (sorry Cher)

Mom, dad and brother

Ginger chicken and mushrooms with brown rice

Wednesday Evening: Nona Emilia's at home with our family


 
I had a a lot of help with my candles (lit matches)

Family

Thanks to Uncle Matt for taking the wet job

Someone needs to water the tree branches!

Alan


One of my favorite gifts was from Wiley


He wrapped it himself
and he filled it with these special prizes
 
He worked well over an hour on this and I love it! 
Thank you to everyone for a very special birthday! 
I love you all!



Sunday, June 19, 2011

To My Dad




Happy Father's Day, Dad! 

I love you!