TWD: Cafe Volcano Cookies

Cafe Volcano Cookies

In the Coffee Crazy Northwest, who doesn't love anything sweet with coffee? The Cafe Volcano Cookie has sweet, coffee, and yummy nuts too.

I have to say, these super fast to make cookies make a nice gift in a hurry!

Must Use Silpat!!! These didn't peel away from parchment very well.

The verdict is still out on this cookie. My husband is not a big fan. If I ever have a late night sweet craving, I'll probably make these again.

Thanks to MacDuff of Lonely Sidecar for choosing this recipe. Please check out her blog for the complete recipe. Happy Baking Everyone!

Tavolata

Don't cook at home...eat out!!! OK, everyone is crazy this time of year so take advantage of the great places to eat in Seattle. A great place, to either meet up with friends, have a family dinner, or bring out-of-town guests, is Tavolata in Belltown. I recently took my husband to Tavolata for a late dinner. That's right, I took him, I picked the place and I paid the bill. Well worth it.The host was young and friendly, we arrived after 8 pm, so there was no real wait for a table. Our server was very attentive and we got our cocktails right away. Did I mention it was a cold night? Having been served our cocktails right away was great!!! Tavolata has a creative "Cocktail" selection on their menu with some of their house creations, however, they also have the Classics like Bourbon, rocks or neat, Gin Martini, and the 'Cosmo'politan.

Take your time and sip your cocktail while you read the menu, there were so many yummy things, one of everything would have been a nice option.

We chose one starter, the Grilled and Marinated Calamari with Corona Beans, Meyer Lemon and Pine Nuts. So GOOD. I've been avoiding carbs, thanks to all the Holiday sweets, but we couldn't waste a drop of the vinaigrette the calamari was tossed in, so we just had to order Foccacia.

The menu at Tavolata changes all the time, which I think is great, however, the calamari was so good, I hope they have this on their menu again when I return.

We should have ordered another starter, but I was saving my calories for dessert. Shortly after we sat down, a friend of mine, Bernadette, was just leaving with her friends. They all highly recommended the Bread Pudding. Mmmm, I could hardly wait.

I should mention... The wine selection is quite good at Tavolata. My husband works in the wine business, so I usually put him in charge of the wine selection. There were mostly Italian wines. We finally settled on a nice 2006 Sangiovese & Syrah Blend for just under $50.00.

***Attention, I should also mention: Don't forget to bring your corks into Tavolata through the end of the year for $$$ off of your bill. Support Cork Re-Harvest! And you can link to the Cork Reharvest website... http://www.corkreharvest.org/ and see the other participating partners around the NW and west coast.

OK, if they have it on the menu, order the Conchiglie Nero Gulf Prawn Puttanesca. Oh My God! I've mentioned before that I had a roommate from Italy, who was the best cook ever, well I use to think she made the best Puttanesca ever...(sorry Paola), but Tavolata has the best Puttanesca ever!!! When the Pasta Puttanesca arrives to the table, it is buried in bread crumbs. Our server told us to make sure to give it a good stir. Once you mix the pasta, all the yummy goodies appear, prawns, olives...I loved it!

My husband ordered the Ravioli with Pork Cheek, Lacinato Kale, and Chantrelle Mushrooms. I wasn't in the mood for raviolis, especially since I was so into my Pasta Puttanesca. OK, the ravioli was awesome too. Very different from my pasta. Milder flavors which work so well together. Mmmmmm!

I have to say, all the Pasta on the menu sounded good. I told my husband that I need to lose a little weight so I can gain it all back in Tavolata Pasta. What? I'm being serious!

The night we dined at Tavolata, Seattle was experiencing a serious cold snap, so I would suggest sitting close to the open kitchen on cold nights. I was pretty cold while sitting in the little side booths, but I was on a date and opted for a little privacy.

I don't have a good picture of the Warm Bread Pudding, but I will tell you this, "When I took a bite of the bread pudding, I forgot that it was a cold winter night and found myself at that Warm Fuzzy Place!!!" So Delicious. Worth every Carb.

If you find yourself in a quandary over "What to do for Dinner?" Go to Tavolata. The music selection is fun and funky and the Casual yet Hip environment is welcoming and perfect for any group or special date!

Holiday Fitness Update

If you're still struggling to figure out what to give to friends for Christmas...everyone needs Exercise-to-Go Workout Cards. If you know someone who just dabbles a little in the gym, you know a parent who has small children and can't get to the gym, or you know a business traveller who wants to keep up their fitness routine, the Exercise-To-Go Workout Cards are great. I have been super busy baking, so getting to the gym just wasn't possible, but I pulled out a few cards, did the exercise and didn't feel like I missed a workout.

Trainer Tim Koffler, developer of Exercise-To-Go Workout Cards

OK, Confession, the last 2 weeks have been rough. I made it to the gym 5 times 2 weeks ago, but last week...NO. I did my resistance training 2 times, cardio only once! I chose a few Exercise-to-Go cards and did a couple workouts at home and no guilt, workout done!


It's Monday and I went to the gym today. I did my resistance training and added 30 minutes of cardio on the Arc Trainer to the end. I don't have any excuse for not getting my flabby self into the gym, so until the end of this year, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!

Super Easy Latkes!

OK, I know the easiest way to make Latkes. Am I celebrating Hanukkah, no, but I've made Hanukkah dinners for my Jewish friends who can't cook! I serve my latkes with sauteed apples. Another alternative would be sour cream and gravlax...YUM.

Super Easy Latkes

4 medium Russet Potatoes, peeled & cubed

1 medium onion, chopped

2 eggs, beaten

2 Tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

Canola oil for frying

Put all the ingredients, except the oil, in a food processor.

Heat oil in a frying pan over Medium High heat.

Scoop 1/3 cup of the potato mixture and drop gently in the hot oil; fry for 2 minutes and flip.

Fry the other side for 2-3 minutes. Put the cooked latkes in a warm oven and fry the rest.

YUM!

Holiday Baking: Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons By: EAGLE BRAND®

Ingredients:
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND®Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 egg white, whipped
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 (14 ounce) package flaked coconut

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 325 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silpat.
2. In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg white, extracts and coconut;
mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.
Immediately remove from baking sheets (macaroons will stick if allowed to cool);
cool on wire racks.
Store loosely covered at room temperature.

That's it!!!

Holiday Spa Day

The sloppy sideways rain made it's way back to the Northwest, so when my friend Lara texted me and asked if I wanted to go get a massage...Hell YES!!! A little guilt must have set in, because we agreed to work out first. After a great workout, we had a healthy lunch at Garlic Crush. We split a Gyro Salad, Pita and Tzatziki and a lot of WATER.

Gyro Salad...mmm!

Then we were off to Bliss in Bellevue. The people at Bliss have introduced a new concept in massage. The set-up was similar to many nail salons, several chairs all lined up, however, not nearly as close. The lighting was very dim and soft music was playing. When your seat is available, the greeter offers either a detox tea or coffee. Later another person takes your massage order. All they really asked was Soft, Medium, or Hard.

I have had many massages in my life, especially when I worked at an athletic club. This concept is a little different. Impersonal, but served it's purpose. I am use to stripping down and talking to the masseuse and telling them what hurts, what's sore, or let them know I want a relaxing rub.

The masseuse brings out a wood bucket with warm water and scented salts. I picked Apricot and tangerine. They start with your feet, when they are done, they go straight to your head, then work down. I said I wanted a Hard massage and WOW, I felt like the cookie dough I have been rolling out lately. Nothing painful, so worth every minute.

As we were leaving Bliss, they said make sure you drink a lot of water. We didn't bother telling them we were on out way to a little wine tasting.
Last stop was Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. I have never been there on a winter day, but I highly recommend a winter visit. The place is empty and there are a lot of cute gift ideas for purchase in the wine tasting room. We tried 4 different wines and 2 dessert wine. YUM.
Great ending to a fun day!

Soup for Dinner: Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Basque Chorizo and Spinach

Around my house if I make soup for dinner, the question after the soup is served is, "So, what's for dinner?" Seriously people!!! I recently saw an episode of Sara's Weeknight Meals on PBS and Sara Moulton was making Soups for Dinner. I am a HUGE fan of soup, so I was excited to watch. OK, cauliflower, chorizo and greens...so good! I figured if anyone around here complains about a yummy Basque Chorizo then STARVE.

Well, after following the recipe exactly, the soup was a big hit. Delicious, creamy, flavorful and besides the chorizo, pretty healthy.

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Chorizo and Greens

from Sara Moulton's "Sara's Weeknight Meals"

Makes 6 servings

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
10 ounces chorizo or andouille sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
1 small Yukon gold potato (about 4 ounces), peeled and coarsely chopped
4 cups canned chicken broth or Chicken Stock (recipe follows)
1 bunch mustard greens, kale, or spinach, or a mixture, tough stems discarded, rinsed, dried, and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly milled black pepper
Paprika, preferably smoked, for garnish
Grilled or broiled slices of homemade-style bread, rubbed with a cut garlic clove, optional

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat until hot.
Reduce the heat to medium, add the chorizo, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the chorizo with a slotted spoon to a plate.
Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut 2 cups of small florets from the cauliflower and chop the rest.
Peel and thinly slice the potato.
When the onion has softened, add the chicken broth, chopped cauliflower, and potato to the saucepan; bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 8 minutes or until the cauliflower and potato are very tender.
Transfer to a blender in three or four small batches and puree until very smooth.
Measure the pureed soup and return it to the saucepan.
Add water, if necessary, to make 7 cups.
Stir in the reserved cauliflower florets and simmer for 4 minutes or until they are almost tender. If you are using mustard greens or kale, add them to the soup with the flowerets.
When the flowerets are just tender, stir in the chorizo and lemon juice; add salt and pepper to taste. If using spinach, stir it in with the chorizo.
Ladle the soup into bowls; sprinkle each with some paprika and serve with garlic bread, if desired.