Shrimp & Noodle Soup

After expanding our stomachs to uncharted territory throughout the entire month of December, my husband and I decided to lighten it up for a few weeks. I found this recipe in one of my healthy cookbooks. It originally called for chicken, but after having watched Food, Inc. the night before I decided to substitute shrimp. Its an Asian inspired soup, low in fat and calories but rich in flavor.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 minced garlic clove

1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger

1/8 cup low-sodium soy sauce

6 ounces ramen noodles

2 cups bean sprouts

4 scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 lime, quartered

2 lbs shrimp, deveined

In a large saucepan bring broth, garlic, ginger, & soy sauce to boil. Add the noodles, return to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the bean sprouts, scallions, and cilantro. Meanwhile, steam shrimp in a separate saucepan. Pour water (or white wine) over shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a steady bubble. Check after 3 minutes of steaming. When they're just turning pink remove from heat and give them a good stir. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shrimp. Serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Teacup Pin Cushions

I recently made these teacup pin cushions. I found the teacups an antique store in my neighborhood. Then I cut an old angora scarf into 2 squares (one for each cushion), made little balloons out of them, and filled each with stuffing. With embroidery floss I tied the balloons closed and cut off excess fabric. After that I drizzled craft glue into the bottoms of the cups and dropped the cushions in to set. They make such sweet little gifts for friends who like to sew.

Wrapper's Delight

One of my favorite things to do in life is wrap and give presents. So imagine my delight when I found this darling paper by nineteenseventythree. So perfect for my sister-in-law's birthday present!

Snap Crackle Pop!

Last night we celebrated my sister-in-law's thirtieth birthday. It was a true 80's style pizza party, complete with some of our favorite childhood movies playing in the background. Rice Krispie treats were the ultimate party food for me growing up, so I thought it would be fun to bring some. After preparing the treats I melted some milk chocolate chips over a double broiler, then whisked in a little butter and milk. Once the chocolate was warm and gooey I poured it over the treats, leveled it out with a spatula, then popped them in the fridge to set for a few hours. I then sliced them into 1-inch bites. They turned out to be a big hit at the party. Happy Birthday Joan, I love you!

Red Wine Biscuits

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 cup flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon minced rosemary

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 tablespoons olive oil

Combine flour, sugar, pepper, rosemary, salt, & baking powder in a food processor and pulse a few times. Preheat oven to 325. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Heat wine in a small saucepan over high heat. Boil for about 3 minutes. Mix wine and olive oil and then add to dry ingredients. Process until dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and roll to 1/8 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter (or a champagne flute, as I did) cut dough rounds and place on cookie sheet. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool. Enjoy with goat cheese and what else.....a glass of red wine!

Posy of Roses

Its Friday at last! I leave you with a simple posy of roses. Happy Weekend!

Brioche Buttons

I made these little brioche buttons over the weekend and served them as mini lobster rolls. After they had baked I simply sliced their hats off, scooped out the doughy insides, and then dropped a tablespoon of lobster salad into each button and replaced the cap. The recipe below yields 24 buttons. One pound of lobster salad was the perfect amount for 24 buttons.

Ingredients:

9 oz warm milk

1 packet dry active yeast

4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

pinch of salt

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup cooled, melted butter (plus a little more for brushing on top)

zest of half a lemon

Sift flour in a large bowl. Make a hollow hole in the center and pour in the milk. Add the yeast to the milk with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes (until bubbly). Mix the milky yeast and the flour together. Add the beaten eggs, lemon zest, salt, butter, and sugar. Mix the dough and then begin to knead. If the dough is sticky add some more sifted flour. Once kneaded well and cover the bowl in plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm room for 1 hour.....When the dough has doubled in size punch it down and knead it for 2 minutes. Place the dough on a floured surface to rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400. Roll the dough into little balls and drop into a mini muffin tin. Brush each of the buttons with melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes, or until they are beginning to turn golden. As soon as they come out of the oven brush them again with melted butter. Enjoy!