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SEAFOOD MARKET

Today I went to a small seafood market a few miles away. It is wonderful and so eccentric... like my lovely little town. The ceiling is sprayed and painted to look like the surf is breaking above your head, so you are down with the catches. And the quality of the local and imported seafood? Mmmmm, so good!

10 THINGS THAT MAKE ME SO VERY HAPPY

1. The first sip of coffee in the morning.
2. Driving or walking by the river at night.
3. Firm hands lightly tracing my back, as if they might break me.
4. The feel of stubble.
5. The smell of old books, any books, as you turn the pages.
6. Walking the beach barefoot at night.
7. My current tattoos and plans for future ink.
8. The joy of cuddling my loved ones.
9. Feeling my nephew kick. *love*
10. Cooking a large meal full of passion, fun and laughter.


Have a beautiful week, lovers!

CUPCAKE QUEEN

Okay, so I can't claim that title. Ever since I found the amazing Baked Perfection blog, I've been inspired to make so many different kinds of cupcakes. She's brilliant! I've used her recipes as a template, and created my own take on some of her amazing cupcakes. Like the Chocolate-raspberry with raspberry icing. And lemon cupcakes. I modified a recipe I found for coffee cake (literally) into coffee cupcakes with coffee buttercream icing. Oh, so so so SO GOOD. My family, friends, neighbors and school admissions counselor have been on the receiving end of my crazy baking urges. I may have a new addiction, since I never baked much. My greatest baking triumph was always the Chocolate Ganache Caramel torte, but now I've got a wider repertoire! Next in line are Chocolate cupcakes with Peanut Butter icing and Fried Banana topping. Drooling just thinking about it....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Cousin Reginald Catches the Thanksgiving Turkey - Norman Rockwell 1917

While no one in my family would ever do this (at least not without major physical injuries to at least six members), I'm fairly certain this is how my coworker Hunter is getting his family's feast.


Happy Celebration of Massive Genocide Day! While I do find the celebration slightly lacking in taste, considering how PC we Americans try to be otherwise, I also realize that it's pretty much become wholly commercialized. Besides, like every other holiday celebration in Florida, it never feels quite like the appropriate season. For example, our weathermen were excited to say that we will be experiencing a COLD SNAP for Thanksgiving Day! Getting all the way down to 77 degrees! Meanwhile, my Wisconsin relatives have six inches of snow already.


I'M SO JEALOUS.


Anyways, the family is gathering, pies and tortes are baked, turkey is roasting, side dishes steaming, and booze is flowing. I know not all of you lovely readers are celebrating this holiday, but I wanted to say how thankful I am to have each and every one of you. Since January, so many of you have read my small corner of the world, and shown your affection, caring and friendship to me. I would have given up on this venture long ago, if it wasn't for all the kind words I've received.

I love you all, and will continue doing the silly things that seem to crack y'all up.


*kisses and sasses*

BAKED ONION RINGS

I modified these from a Weight Watchers cookbook. They are delicious and crispy crunchy good.




Approximately 3/4 cup of all purpose flour with 1/2 tsp of paprika and 1 Tbsp of cayenne pepper. More or less to taste. Mix well.




Slice a whole onion, I used Vidalia but to your preference, into thick rings. Do not separate yet.




Take three eggs. I prefer the vegetarian eggs, but your preference will also work. You don't have to separate the white from the yolks, but it will work as well either way.




Bread crumbs! I use generic Italian style.




Beat the eggs.




Separate two rings, then coat in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.




Coat with the eggs.




Cover completely with bread crumbs.




Lay them on an ungreased baking tray. When tray is full, place into a preheated 400 degree oven, on the center rack if possible. After 10 minutes, flip the rings to toast evenly.




Viola! Tasty baked onion rings! A delicious and healthful side.


Enjoy!