fungal findings

Peziza repanda, nonpoisonous, found at Moore Creek in Santa Cruz.

Craft Time

Therapeutic Rice Bag  

Use an old cotton shirt or buy some cotton fabric- I used flannel because its really soft. Using a sewing machine, make a rectangular bag leaving one side open.  

Mix together basmati rice and a bit of lavender, depending on how potent you want it.

 

Fill the bag about 2/3 full with the rice mixture. 
Finish it off by sewing together the other side. 
Microwave for 1-2 minutes for a warm aromatic treat.

 Perfect to use in the winter weather!

winter wonders

Really enjoyed having Christmas in Truckee this year! The snowy scenery was wonderful and so were finding bunny trails. ---And I love my new camera!

Christmas Goodies

Holiday Spiced French Macaroons sandwiched with Cream Cheese frosting

Chocolate Almond Bark with Caramel and White Chocolate.

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Merry Christmas!

in for a treat

Received my first issue of Cook's Illustrated. Great recipes and advice. Not to mention, they have beautiful art on the front and back cover. The January/February 2011 issue covers Chili, Thin-Crust Pizza, Glazed Salmon and Gingerbread Cake. Yum!

Chocolove

 

Just reminiscing about the Chocolate course I took this last summer. We learned everything from bean to bar. And I created these beauties, Orange Cream Dark Chocolate Truffles.

my first mushroom

Identified this little guy in my parents Foothill backyard. Agaricus arvensis, also known as the "Horse Mushroom." According to my guide, North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi, it says they're edible and choice. But I think I'll wait on eating one until I'm not so new at this!