Mimosa Tree

Mimosa Tree 3, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

 

This is one of my favorite trees. A friend of mine had a baby mimosa in a pot. She had it sitting on her desk at work. One day she held her finger underneath the little green leaves and told me to watch the plant very carefully.

She lifted her fingers and ever so lightly, stroked the underside of the delicate branch. In turn, the outstretched leaves immediately shrank and the entire branch that had been touched hung down in a protective state.

In just a few minutes the mimosa had recovered and again my friend repeated the demonstration. The leaves had the same reaction. Naturally, we all had to try it too. We must have exhausted the plant because after the fifth time it stayed in it’s defensive pose.

About fifteen years ago, I saw trees like this one growing wild and realized that this is what a fully grown mimosa looked like. The blooms are so soft and fuzzy looking. The color is an appealing pink and accentuated with white.

When I came across this beauty I made sure to bring my camera so I could capture it in all it’s glory before it looses its flowers. Hope you like it too.

Gateau Le Concorde`

The Concorde Cake, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

 

This cake was created in celebration of The French plane called The Concorde. It is chocolate from the inside to the outside. There is the satisfying crunch of the chocolate meringue disks and creamy layers of chocolate mousse.

After it is built it is covered with a top layer of more chocolate mousse. Pieces of rolled chocolate meringue are strewn over the entire cake. A strip of parchment paper is placed across the center of the cake. Then 10X sugar is sprinkled or dusted before removing the parchment strip of paper.

A chocolate rose is fashioned from molding chocolate and placed in the center of the cake. The cake is finished. Photo January 2007 LAC.

The Wings of The Dragonfly

The Wings of The Dragonfly, originally uploaded by Theresa111

 

 

Visiting Aunt Myna’s home

Down a country lane

I stroll alone

And coming upon

A beautiful rock

I linger

Without thought

Of the clock

 

Sitting with my

Face to the sky

I listen for

The Wings of The Dragonfly

I close my thoughts

From reality

Turning away

From the city

 

My lips

Move to sing

Hoping to bring

This dragonfly

Who soars so high

 

Is he sitting

On petals

Pinning on medals

Showing the flowers praise

Awakening them to raise

Their faces to the sky

Where he flies so high

 

Oh where can he be

Maybe talking to a tree

Or sipping from a stream

Even having a dream

 

He usually doesn’t make me wait

Why is the dragonfly so late

 

Sitting with my

Face to the sky

I can now hear

The Wings of the Dragonfly

(C) 2001 Theresa H. Hall all rights reserved do not copy

I wrote this the summer I turned nineteen.

 

George Apple

DSCN1470, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Hello. My name is George Apple and today I am here to let you know that I hand out free advice. If you have a question, problem or just plain curious as to how I handle matters. drop me a line to this address (oops time’s up!) and I will get back to you.

Remember to keep it clean and please no spam. This forum will be open for 48 hours only. If it’s all right to post your inquiry and my reply let me know that too. Thanks.

DVD Movie Review “The Devil Wears Prada”

DVD Movie Review, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

I have plugged this movie in quite a few times to catch what I didn’t take in the other times I watched. Even though I get sidetracked looking at Anne Hathaway’s big eyes and indomitable spirit, I am riveted my Meryl Streep’s portrayal of her role as Miranda.

Her carriage, her telling looks, she is a matriarchal mauler of employees.  Her seemingly impervious demeanor implies that she is all-knowing and she cares not a bit for an opinion not her own.

Miranda, Editor in Chief of Runway Magazine is a fashion-plate.  And for not being a model, Ms. Streep looks as good as any of them. She is poised, polished and in charge. This DVD is a must see.

Ever since I first saw her in “Sophie’s Choice” I have loved her acting. This was a movie where she had to make an insanely impossible choice. Choose which of her children would live and which would die, during Natzi driven Germany.

Meryl Streep is fascinating to watch. Her beauty is refreshing and the delivery of her lines only emphasizes her art. Her voice resonates in your ears.  You drink her with your eyes.  She is a consummate actor.

Happy Birthday Domestic Minx

Celebration Cake, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear Minx
Happy Birthday To You!

To one of the loveliest ladies it has been my pleasure to call my friend. The best to you darling. Hope your party is wonderful and that all your devoted readers bring you much joy. You deserve the best life can offer you.

Please see my blogroll in my sidebar and click on the Domestic Minx. Tell her I sent you. Photo taken February 2005 Chef Demo.

Baked Alaska Being Torched can you see the flame?

Baked Alaska Being Torched can you see the flame?, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

This is a big process and time consuming too. The sponge cake is cut X3 in the shape of the bottom of a boat. Freshly made and frozen chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream is packed in-between the layers of cake.

More sponge cake is cut in two long strips to be the sides of the boat shape. The ice cream is now enclosed within the walls and top layer of sponge cake. Next meringue is applied and also piped in designs prior to torching. Cherries are placed as shown.

Traditionally, the cake is wheeled table-side and the chef torches it before the diners. It is served immediately.

Pastry Arts Instructor Chef Mark demonstrated March 2005.

Almond Tea Cookies

Almond Tea Cookies, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

It’s lunchtime and then it’s tea time. These little gems are a treat for your mouth.

 Almond Tea Cookies

Time consuming. Doubled, stuck together and decorated. This is a piped cookie, the consistency of choux paste.

6 oz almond paste
7 1/2 oz sugar
2 to 3 egg whites (2 to 3 ounces depends on paste)
———————
15 oz butter softened (pipeable)
12 oz cake flour
6 oz bread flour —————-> gluten level
1 pinch salt
vanilla extract to taste
almond extract to taste
Finishing:
ganache filling
tempered chocolate to dip edge of cookie
chopped pistachios dip last on wet chocolate edge
1/2 glace cherry

1) Using a mixer slowly combine almond paste, sugar and egg white to soft paste. Stop mixer and scrape bowl.

2) Add softened butter, mix. Add vanilla and almond.
3) Add flour and salt…just til combined.
4) Pipe shape #3 French Star Tube. Don’t overfill pastry bag.

Bake 350º to 375º 10 minutes.

When baked it appears like piped sable, light golden brown.

Freezes nicely.