Recipe & a Goodbye

One day 1/2 before departure, I couldn't leave you with .. well a little thought. I LOVE to bake and so here is one of the many recipes I can't go without.


Palmiers, Coeurs de France, Prussiens, Ventaglietti, Schweineohren.. how ever you want to call them they are just yummy!

For Valentine's day I've been baking quite a good amount of this delicious, light and so easy to make pastry. Since our last trip to Switzerland my husband has discovered his love for any pastry made out of this kind of dough. And this are the easiest to make and.. well, heart theme for Valentine's :)

Let me tell you there is a trick. I love to bake and so make the dough from scratch. But if you are out of time, not really up to making a dough that requires a total amount of hours as a whole day.. well it won't take you more then 15 min. to make this pastry with a Puff Pastry dough from any store around.

Believe it or not I've found the cheapest at Whole Foods. In the Dessert Frozen Section, there it is!

Palmiers ~ Coeurs de France

Ingredients

1 package puff-pastry 

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Heat oven to 400° F. Adjust rack to middle position.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the work surface. Unfold 1 sheet of the pastry and place it on the sugar. Roll it to an even thickness. Sprinkle it with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. 

Starting at one short side of the rectangle, roll the pastry toward the center of the sheet, stopping at the middle. Repeat with the opposite short end, so the rolls meet. Trim the ends with a knife.

Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices and place flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with 1 more tablespoon of the sugar.

Bake until golden and puffed, 20 to 23 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve hot or at room temperature. Bonne appetite!

Here is a very clear step-by-step how to with pictures. Take a look, have fun and enjoy
baci e ciao :) 

{picts. by real simple,  en.petitchef, pinkstripes, the honeyed fig}

{RS Book CLub Activity} The nb.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Our next RS Activity is Book Club time!

Come join us to discuss

THE NO.1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY

by Alexander McCall Smith

this coming Thursday night Feb. 18th

at 7pm

at Kathy Lee's home

You are always on time to discover the fun of reading together. Our next book will be number 6!
As a little reminder, books are provided by Lois Frost. You just have to come to our activity to get one and then remember to give it back after a month on our next meeting.

THIS BOOK:

Meet Mma Ramotswe, proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and follow her adventures as she navigates the cases of her clients and the complexities of her personal life with charm, wisdom, and a healthy dose of humor.

"One of the best, most charming, honest, hilarious and life-affirming books to appear in years." --The Plain Dealer. More info ~ No.1 Ladies' FAQ,

THE AUTHOR:

Alexander McCall Smith iis the author of over sixty books on a wide array of subjects. For many years he was Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and served on national and international bioethics bodies.

Then in 1999 he achieved global recognition for his award-winning No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, and thereafter devoted his time to the writing of fiction, including the 44 Scotland Street and the von Igelfeld series.
His books have been translated into forty-two languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Elizabeth, a doctor.

{know more about the Author} 

THE TV SHOW:

HBO has teamed with the Weinstein Co., the BBC, and filmmakers Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis for a drama series of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." 

The series stars actor and singer Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, Anika Noni Rose as Mma Makutsi, Ramotswe’s quirky secretary, and Lucien Msamati as Mr J L B Matikone, Ramotswe's love interest.

 Minghella recently finished filming a two-hour pilot in Botswana, from a script he co-wrote with Curtis. The two began working on the project for the Weinstein Co. last year before HBO and the BBC came aboard. The movie aired on the BBC on March 24, 2008. Watch the show here

Alexander McCall Smith meets with Jill Scotto (Mma Ramotswe) on the set of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

THE NO.1 LADIES' OPERA HOUSE:


Alexander McCall Smith has long taken an interest in the musical scene in Botswana. On each of his regular visits to Botswana he has sponsored a concert to coincide with the visit, and this has usually featured strongly local singers. He has also supported musical training programs, and last year--in collaboration with David Slater, a well-known music teacher and performer in Gaborone--he established a tiny opera house.

The No. 1 Ladies' Opera House is accommodated in an old garage converted for the purpose. During the day it is a restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch at tables set out under shady trees on the terrace. It has a tiny white van and an enthusiastic staff. And if you're visiting to Botswana this is one spot you won't want to miss!

READ How a dusty Botswana old Garage became the No.1 Ladies' Opera House, by Alexander McCall Smith

{There is more to know. For more info go on the official website of Alexander McCall Smith}

Happy Valentine's day!

thanks for all your love Sisters

{Magnolia trees and delicious pastry cookies... recipe coming soon!}

{picts. via Life 123, Tish Boyle Sweet Dreams} 

{RS Activity} The Traveling Chef is back from Italy!

Come join us for a fun night cooking some delicious FRITTATAS,

demonstrated by Holly Gardiner

this Thursday February 11th

at 7 pm

Central Building

Relief Society Room

Don't miss it!

{pict. by this mama cooks and my recipes. Both of this have also recipes so go ahead and take a look}