Urban Girl's Almanac

Have a Phat, Phat, Fabulous Fat Tuesday

2010-02-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling the urge to party-like-a-rock-star sometime before Easter, you best get it in today. For tomorrow brings 47 days - that's 40 days + 7 holy days depending on who you ask - of penitence, reflection, and the giving-up-of-a-vice-or-two-or-three. Hardly, a time to feel good about letting loose. So, go now! Indulge and then over-indulge some more! Live-it-up! Have a Phat, Phat, Fabulous Fat Tuesday! More on just how to do this in a moment.

First, just what is Fat Tuesday?

Well, it's not a national day of questioning, "Does my butt look fat in these jeans?". If you have to ask, the answer is, "YES". Yikes, that's beside the point.

Fat Tuesday, English for the French word Mardi Gras, is also known as Shrove (confession)Tuesday in other parts of the world. Fat Tuesday marks the end of the Carnival season, which began way back on January 6th - the twelfth day of Christmas. Also known as Three Kings Day, this day celebrates the arrival of the wise men of the East bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. Many European and Latin American countries celebrate the Carnival season - the days between Three Kings Day and Lent - with parades, masquerade balls and feasts. Whew! Still with me?

Just what does all of this have to do with Easter? I'm so glad you asked. Remember those 47 days of self-imposed discipline mentioned above? Well, these just happen to be the days of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday (tomorrow) leading up to Easter Sunday - the next reason to celebrate. Long story short, Fat Tuesday ties together Christmas and Easter, the two most significant events in Christian history. Holy-moly.

So, how does one have a Phat, Phat, Fabulous Fat Tuesday? My official answer would be by keeping in mind that (a) tomorrow will likely come, (b) it's a week (school) night, (c) repentance season is only 47 days long.

With that being said, here's a few Mardi Gras traditions:
(1) Adorn yourself in any of the three symbolic colors of Mardi Gras; purple for justice; green signifying faith; and gold representing power,
(2) indulge in a feast, which includes the traditional King Cake - a colorful, braided brioche with a surprise doubloon hidden inside for a lucky recipient to find,
(3) consider wearing a costume or perhaps just a tasteful feathered-mask - following the tradition of hiding one's identity so one can celebrate in the most festive of manners...
(4) and last but not least, you must indulge in the the n'leans-invented-tradition of wearing cheap beads. Lots and lots of long strands of cheap, plastic beads. Get enough for sharing - that is should another reveler show he/she is deserving of a throw of beads from you. This is when wardrobe-malfunctions resulting in the baring of breasts is most likely to occur.

Go now, my urban friends, party like there IS a tomorrow and begin to reflect on just what you'll be giving up for the next 47 days. "What will this urban girl be abstaining from?" you wonder. Hmmm...perhaps ill-timed fat butt jokes... just 47 days and counting down...I can do it, I'm pretty sure. Yes.

NEWS RELEASE ~ GROUNDHOG DAY

2010-02-02T09:16:00.002-07:00

Paris, France

February 2, 2007

Groundhog Day - Not to be outdone by the Americans, UN officials held their own Groundhog Day. In their own Groundhog Day ceremony, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), tying in reports on global warming, announced that there would be six more weeks of winter.... followed by 1000 years of summer.

Author Unknown

NOVEMBER 2009 DAYS-OF-NOTE

2009-10-31T12:37:00.011-06:00

THESE. ARE THE DAYS. OF THE DEAD...

1st ~ All Hallows Day. Blessed are the saints.

2nd ~ Good, bad or ugly. A day to remember the dearly departed, this All Souls' Day.

2nd ~ Full "Frost" Moon

3rd ~ It's Election Day - Fly the US Flag today and go out and VOTE!

11th ~ Honor those that serve our great country this Veteran's Day! It's a flag-flying holiday, too!

11th ~ FRANCE celebrates Armistice Day.

Friday the 13th ~ Get your superstition on.

15th ~ Cough-cough-hack-hack. National Great America Smoke-Out.

22nd ~ Sagittarius the Archer begins today

26th ~ Sing it with me this Thanksgiving Day,"Come on let's turkey trot. Shoo-shoo, gobble-gobble diddly. Give it all you got...."

27th ~ Eid al Adha, Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, begins today

Sunday the 29th ~ Get your calendars out, Advent begins today

NOVEMBER IS

National Diabetes Month

National Pomegranate Month

SEPTEMBER 2009 ~ DAYS-OF-NOTE

2009-09-01T08:30:00.001-06:00

4th ~ Did you 'ear the news? It's a Full "Corn" Moon! Now. That's corny;-)

Monday the 7th ~ Go ahead. Take the day off - It's Labor Day in the USA!

9th Day of the 9th Month ~ JAPAN celebrates Chrysanthemum Day!

September 11th ~ Never forget 9/11/2001 - Honor Patriot Day today!

Sunday the 13th ~ Celebrate Grandparent's Day today!

13th ~ Dutch. Swiss. Belgium. So many to choose from on this International Chocolate Day.

18th ~ The New Year, 5770, begins and the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah commences at sundown.

19th ~ Let the feasting begin - at sundown, that is, when the Islamic celebration, Eid al Fitr begins.

Sunday the 20th ~ Holy cow! It's World Priest Day.

21th ~ JAPAN honors their senior citizens today with Respect For the Aged Day.

22nd ~ Daytime and nighttime are even-steven once again on this Autumnal Equinox.

22nd ~ Some say it's just a wanna-be, but hey, it has it's own day as today is National White Chocolate Day!

23rd ~ Autumnal Equinox Day in JAPAN.

23rd ~ Libra the Scales begin today. So many options - wish I could decide what to write here ;-)

24th ~ SOUTH AFRICA celebrates it's diversity this Heritage Day!

26th ~ Annie get your gun...and pole...Today is National Hunting & Fishing Day.

Sunday the 27th ~ A Day of Atonement for our Jewish friends.This High Holy Day,Yom Kippur, begins at sundown.

SEPTEMBER IS:

National Chicken Month

National Honey Month

National Mushroom Month

National Organic Harvest Month

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

National Potato Month

National Rice Month

Celebrate September Birthdays with Asters and Sapphires!

A Summertime Treat ~ Peaches and Cream Pops

2009-08-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

In celebration of National Peach Month - try these peachy pops!

Peaches & Cream Pops

1/2 cup peeled, chopped fresh California peaches
1/3 cup peeled, pureed fresh California peaches
2/3 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon honey

Directions: Lightly swirl together peach puree, yogurt, chopped peaches and honey, if desired, together in a small bowl.
Spoon into 4 popsicle molds and insert handle.
Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the California Tree Fruit Agreement

Voilà! The French Martini

2009-07-14T09:30:00.001-06:00

You have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about you. An élan. You're the connoisseur of the cul-de-sac. Before Starbucks was born, you ordered café au lait for dessert when everyone else was still thinking pie à la mode was haute cuisine. You go on a rendez-vous, while others simply date. You respond, s’il vous plaît when a simple sure will do. You're the belle of your clique. You know the difference between crème brûlée and crème de la crème, panache and papier-mâché.

When referring to your backside, it's always a derrière. Beautiful peignoirs hang in your armoire, while the rest of us stuff jammies in our dresser drawers. You prefer being au naturel instead of buck-naked. You make an occasional faux pas, but never a blunder. You've been known to utter, vis-à-vis, when making a point. You don't think references to your plates of hors d’œuvres as "horse doovers" is particularly funny. You believe lamé is, IN FACT, a fabric blended with metallic threads, not urban-slang for totally-lame-dude! You think being passé is always, well, passé!

"Moi?", you ask coquettishly.

Yes. My urban belle. Moi! Not that there's anything wrong with that!

So. For your next private tête-à-tête or evening soirée with friends, show your savoir-faire with the classic French Martini! Et voilà!

French Martini

4 ounces Vodka
1 ounce Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
5 ounces Pineapple juice
Lemon twists

Ice

Chill 2 martini glasses.

Fill a shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake or stir*. Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish each with a lemon twist.

*The pineapple juice will cause this martini to be cloudy whether it is stirred or shaken.

I'll always say au revoir, my friends, but wish to never bid you adieu!

Click here for more martini club recipes!

Get "Timely Tweets" on Twitter

2009-06-08T10:39:00.009-06:00

You can now follow Urban Girl's Almanac with Timely Tweets on Twitter.

And we pwomise - there'll be no over-twittering here. And that's the twuth. So. Come follow now...

A Traditional Cookie Gets a Fresh Makeover!

2008-05-22T10:30:00.002-06:00

The fragrant pairing of citrus and herbs is a delight to the senses in this fresh approach to the ever-popular shortbread cookie. Having just developed the recipe, I set these cookies out on a whim at our Easter potluck party to - you know - sneak in a quick focus group. I must say, they were the absolute delight I thought them to be!

Enchant your guests with your adventurous culinary spirit - serve this beautiful cookie at your next summertime soiree.

Lemon Grass & Lavender Shortbread Flowers

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
½ cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon grass, peeled and finely minced*
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, slightly crushed
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

Coarse sugar or Lemon Glaze, optional (recipe below)

Using a standing mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter until fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Sift confectioner’s sugar into butter and continue to beat until the mixture is pale yellow; scraping sides as needed. Add the lemon grass and lavender; blend completely.

Sift the flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until the dough is blended and sticks together. Remove the dough and shape into a flat ball. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for one hour.

Preheat oven to 325˚F. For best results, line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 3/8-inch thickness. Using flower-shaped cutters cut dough and carefully transfer flowers to prepared sheets. (Dip cutters in flour, as needed.) Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

Bake until the cookies are firm and light brown, about 11-12 minutes. Cool slightly on cookie sheet before transferring to wire rack. Cool completely before glazing, if desired.

*Minced lemon grass is available in your grocer's produce department; look for brands such as Gourmet Garden

Lemon Glaze

1 cup confectioner’s sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Place the cream in a bowl, sift sugar into bowl. Whisk until blended. Add lemon juice and whisk until mixture is smooth and creamy.

You can use fresh lavender flowers from your garden - just make sure they're free of herbicides and pesticides! Don't have a green thumb? Go to DEAN & DELUCA - The Icon of the American Epicurean Experience for dried lavender flowers and so much more!

Lemon Grass and Lavender Shortbread Flowers is another Michele Meehl original recipe!

You TOO Can Host a Fabulous Potluck Party!

2008-04-03T15:15:00.003-06:00

Potluck. Covered dish suppers. Basket meals. Potlatch. Smorgasbord. However, the folks in your neck-of-the-woods describe this casual sharing of food; you can be sure some good eating will be had by all.

One may think the word potluck originated from the Native American tradition of the potlatch, a feast commemorating a significant event, such as a marriage, birth or death. The tribal chief would invite family, friend and foe to such a gathering. A traditional potlatch ritual includes a ceremony in which gifts were bestowed upon the chief. In the early days, these gifts were often foods; exceptional foods were given as a show of reverence to the host.

However, the word potluck was actually recorded in English language as early as the 1590’s and simply meant “one would take a chance with whatever happens to be cooking in the pot.” Surprise! Okay then.

What the Protestants did with the potluck concept seemed to suit the masses much better. In an effort to create a sense of community within the church, keep men and boys and off the streets and out of the booze and to create a meeting place for singles, the potluck became a popular pastime! Soon this sharing of labor, when everyone contributes a food dish, spread throughout the US! What Easterners call a covered dish supper, our friends in the West may get together for a basket meal, while those of Swedish descent hold a mighty-fine smorgasbord.

Now a potluck party seems like a good idea based simply on the fact that everyone contributes a little sumthin-sumthin. Sounds easiest enough, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, everyone brings a dish; however, as the hostess-with-the-mostest you need to ensure you don’t end up with 6 lime Jello® salads and not a single green bean casserole in sight! Plus, the hostess typically provides not only the gathering place, dinnerware and utensils, but also the main meat entrée and beverages for all.

Having been around the potluck block a time or two, a good potluck is no stranger to me. I’ve shown off my culinary skills at various office potlucks for birthdays, retirements and the requisite Boss’ Day food fest. However, I never actually hosted one. Until recently, that is. On Easter Sunday. For about 50 peeps. My first big party. It was great!

With a little advance planning, you TOO can be a fabulous potluck hostess! Just pick your occasion – there are lots of them just around the corner. Choose a holiday such as Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day. Or, build an occasion around a family reunion, graduation or just because it’s summer! If you’re totally plucky – bill it as an annual tradition as I did. You’ll be surprised at the response you get!

Here’s a checklist and some fabulous tips on ensuring your potluck is a hit with your peeps!

4 Weeks Out:
o Set the date

o Choose the party theme

o Create your guest list

o Determine the shared food categories (appetizer/cold side dish, hot side dish, bread or rolls, dessert)

o Create a table chart showing the invitees and the food category assigned to them. How you choose the number of cold side dishes versus hot side dishes, e.g. is somewhat determined by the party’s theme and the time of year it’s being held. A summer party will require fewer hot dishes than a colder weather party. Additionally, you’ll likely want fewer folks to bring bread and rolls than the other categories.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This chart will become your guide for the party. It will help you track your invitees and the category assigned to them. By adding two additional columns, you can also track the RSVP responses and the number of attendees. It will also track food categories you can expect so you can make any adjustments, as needed.

o Design the invitation. Given the specific nature of the potluck party, it’s likely you’ll have to create your own invitation. Not to worry! This can easily be done with Microsoft Word® or Publisher® templates and by using their vast clip art collection. It need not be fancy as much as it needs to convey the party information.It should be clear to your intended guests that this is a potluck party. The invitation should include:
* Date and times; i.e. festivities begin at 4:00 pm, dinner is served at 5:00 pm.
* Location; with directions if needed
* Host/Hostess name
* Any specific information for your party; theme, games, dress, etc.
* RSVP; including telephone numbers and email addresses. The RSVP by date should be set 10-14 days ahead of the party. Also, ask for the number of attendees.
* Potluck category: Create a specific section on the invite that reads something to the effect of: Please bring an item to share with up to 8 people in the category checked below:
~ Appetizer/Cold Side Dish
~ Hot Side Dish
~ Bread or Rolls
~ Dessert
It’s a good idea to let your invitees know what you’re providing; e.g. Fried chicken, hot dogs, soft drinks, water, coffee, beer and wine.

o Address and mail invitations. Be sure to use the table grid you created to fill in the food category assigned to each invitee. Though it’s tempting to use email – there’s a little something special about receiving an invitation by snail mail. Just saying.

3 Weeks Out:
o Make a To-Do list for the house cleaning and organizing you'll need to do (This assumes the party will be hosted at your home)

o Make a list of party supplies and equipment needed; list separately the items you have vs. items you need to buy or rent:
~ Tables and chairs
~ Tent
~ Plastic utensils, paper dinner and dessert plates, napkins, plastic cups and hot cups (if coffee is served)
~ Platters and other service ware and utensils
~ Coffee urn
~ Coffee service items, sugar bowl, cream pitcher, stirrers, etc.
~ Chafing dishes
~ Bun warmer
~ Counter top oven (optional but VERY handy)
~ Coolers and/or tubs for iced beverages
~ Water jugs (less expensive than bottled water)
~ Salt and pepper shakers
~ Wine opener and beer bottle opener (if needed)
~ Ashtrays
~ Butter dishes
~ Hot pads
~ Aprons for your kitchen volunteers
~ Trash cans and recycle bins
~ Tablecloths
~ Centerpieces
~ Balloons
~ Danglers
~ String lights
~ Flowers
~ Guest book and name tags
~ Games
~ Background music

o Plan the menu for the items you’re responsible for providing: meat, appetizers, beverages, misc. condiments, etc. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you’re serving alcohol, you’ll want to ensure your guests have snacks from the onset of the party; therefore, you should plan on providing some finger-food appetizers to accommodate.

o Make a shopping list of the food items you’ll need to provide; divide into perishable vs. non-perishable items. Quantity suggestions (Depends on overall mix you’ll provide, kids vs. adults, party duration, etc):
* Ham or turkey: 6 – 8 ounces per person
* Fried chicken: 2 – 3 pieces per person
* Hot dogs or hamburgers: 1 - 2 per person
* Soft drinks and water: 3 – 4 servings per person
* Alcoholic beverages: 2 – 4 servings per adult person

o Reserve any items that need to be rented; tables, chairs, tent (estimate count for now)

o Place order for any foods provided by a restaurant or caterer; e.g. smoked ham, turkey, fried chicken, etc.

2 Weeks Out:
o Shop for any equipment, supplies, and party décor.

o Shop for non-perishable food items; soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, beer, wine, crackers, chips, nuts, etc.

o Track RSVP attendee count and categories (Expect RSVP responses will change up until a few days before the party).

o Secure a few volunteers for kitchen and beverage service duties.

o Determine what you’ll wear – you’re the hostess – dress the part!

o Work on any home organizing (de-cluttering) that can be done without having to re-do!

1 Week Out:
o Confirm any items that are rented and or catered; confirm final numbers and delivery schedule.

o Determine if any of your potluck categories are lacking. If so, make adjustments with other attendees or provide the additional items yourself.

o Update your menu plan and shopping lists accordingly.

o Confirm your volunteers.

5 to 6 Days Out:
o Confirm any items that are rented and or catered; verify final numbers and delivery schedule.

o Review your lists and make sure you have everything and are on track! Work it accordingly!

3 to 4 Days Out:
o Shop for perishable food items and fresh flowers or plants.

o Get your clothes ready.

o Do house cleaning – keep a very short list of anything that needs to be done at the “last minute”.

2 Days Out:
o Set up buffet table with dinner ware and service ware (platters, serving utensils, etc.) and centerpiece. If your party will be outdoors, you’ll need to do this the day of the party.

o Set up a welcome table for guests to sign the guest book and fill out their name tag.

o Set up a beverage station separate from the buffet table and welcome table.

o Set up a dessert buffet or station.

o Organize and de-clutter refrigerator and counter tops – you’ll need the room!

o Decorate indoors.

The Day Before:
o Prepare and/or pick up any foods you are responsible for providing.

o Buy ice – store in freezers or coolers if weather permits.

o Finish any house cleaning.

o Prepare trash cans and recycle bins.

The BIG Day:
o Finish any set-up that needs to be done; tables and chairs, beverage stations, trash cans, etc.

o Finish any decorating. Set up the music.

o Make sure all cold beverages are iced-down properly.

o Preheat your oven to 250˚ just before the guests are to arrive.

o As your kitchen volunteers arrive, brief them on these easy directions:

As the hostess you’ll likely get caught up chatting with guests as they arrive. Have your kitchen volunteers receive the food as it comes in – separating the categories. Keep track of the particular foods as they come in; any duplicates may be kept hot or cold until a refill is needed.

Obviously, hot foods should go into the oven and any cold side dish not meant to be an appetizer should go into the fridge. Foods that require neither heat nor cold should go into the kitchen and not on the buffet table. Any appetizers should be placed in the areas where people are mingling and away from the buffet table.
Note: You’ll want to have a place to keep whatever bag, box or basket your guests used to transport their dish to your home – otherwise, it’ll clutter up your kitchen in a hurry.

When the dinner time is near, quickly set the food on the table (excluding the desserts). As this is being completed, gather your guests in a buffet line and they’re good to go. Keep an eye on the table and remove dishes as they empty and replace with others if available. Once all the guests have eaten, dessert should be served.
Lastly, it’s a nice touch to wash your guests’ serving dish so they can transport a clean dish home!

o Hey Chickie! RELAX and BE EXCITED about your party – it’ll be contagious!

One sobering thought to end with - if you do serve alcohol at your party, be sure to provide options for your guests; i.e. a designated driver or a taxi cab ride home will keep everyone safe and hap-hap-happy!

A Trendier Version of the Classic Vanilla Milk Shake

2008-03-07T12:34:00.008-07:00

There was a time when choosing a plain-old-vanilla cone, in world-of-thirty-wonderful-flavors, seemed unimaginative at best. Myopic, safe, intolerant of new things, at worst. This sense of superiority usually coming from the brave soul that dipped into the frozen tub of black licorice goo as their flavor du jour. Of course, any plain-old-vanilla lover knows it’s hard to keep up that superiority complex when your tongue begins to resemble that of a camel! We’re just saying.

It should be no surprise that vanilla, one of the world’s most expensive, yet beloved spices, holds steadfast as the US number one ice cream flavor; this according to the NPD Groups’ National Eating Trends survey. Vanilla weighs in at a whopping 30% of all ice cream consumption, while chocolate comes in second-place at only 10%! Surprisingly, butter pecan ekes out third-place at 4%, while strawberry lags just behind at 3.7%. Rounding out the top five US ice cream favorites is chocolate chip mint at 3.2%. So, just where does a flavor like Chunky Monkey fall on the list? We may never know.

It should also be no surprise that the intoxicating allure of vanilla paired with cardamom’s intriguing fragrance and taste come together as a luxurious sensory delight. Unique to itself, cardamom is sweet, floral, and citrusy with woody undertones. It’s no wonder this charming couple is one of the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2008 top ten pairings!

While the essence of the vanilla bean is adored around the world as a flavor and fragrance for all things imaginable, the pod of the perennial Elettaria cardamomum is just beginning to makes its debut to the much of the world. A member of the ginger family, cardamom, this “queen” of spices, is very popular in Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian, North African, Asian and Indian cuisines. In fact, cardamom coffee is considered a symbol of hospitality and prestige throughout the Arab world. Used in lieu of cinnamon, cardamom is a popular ingredient in Danish pastries. Cardamom is often found as an ingredient in spice blends such as curry and chai.

So how does all this talk of ice cream, vanilla and cardamom come together? It comes together deliciously as a recipe provided by the innovative chefs at McCormick®. Try this trendy version of a classic vanilla milk shake today!

Vanilla Cardamom Milk Shake Shooters

1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon McCormick® Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Ground Cardamom

Place ice cream, milk, vanilla and cardamom in blender container; cover. Blend on high speed until smooth.
Pour into glasses. Sprinkle with additional cardamom, if desired

As mentioned previously, cardamom is also a key ingredient in a chai spice blend. For another scrumptious treat, try these Chai Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches!

This article first published for Suite101.com.

It's a Honey of a Spa!

2008-02-22T16:00:00.004-07:00

The weekend is finally here and you find yourself in serious need of pampering. A trip to the spa just isn’t in this month’s budget – darn that price of gas! A perusal of the pantry for a sweet treat yields no relief. But does it? Take another look. Is that a pudgy honey-filled bear hiding back there? If so, you’re in luck. With just a few more simple ingredients, let your head-to-toe spa weekend begin.

Why honey? According to the National Honey Board, honey is a perfectly natural ingredient for all things spa. Honey itself is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. With its antimicrobial properties honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it safe for babies and those with sensitive skin. Because of its overall wholesomeness, honey is used in soaps, lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, bath products and cosmetics.

Honey has been used as a beauty secret by women for centuries throughout the world. While Cleopatra’s milk and honey baths are now legendary, over on the other side of the world, Chinese women were keeping their skin blemish-free using a blend of honey and ground orange seeds. All the while, women of European aristocracy used secret concoctions of honey to keep their long hair soft and shiny and their skin smooth and supple.

For an easy skin softening bath, add 1/4 cup honey to your bath water. If you have more time and a few extra ingredients, try these recipes...

Refreshing Winter Whites!

2008-01-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

Winter is often a time of hefty flavors and hearty foods boasting of color from the deepest hues of the color wheel. Coming into their own with the late fall harvest, sun-drenched squashes and earthy root vegetables tend to dominate both the palate and palette of wintertime menus. This not to mention persimmons, cranberries and pomegranates, the exquisite jewels that grace our holiday tables.

Conversely, one doesn’t have to look further than a fresh snow-covered landscape to realize that white is a beautiful thing. A clean, crisp, refreshingly beautiful thing. Taking a BIG nod from nature, why not try a little white-on-white-white to lighten up your wintry palate - and palette!
So how does one lighten up? It just so happens that USA Pears are at their peak of freshness throughout the winter months, too! A good source for Vitamin C and potassium, pears are also an excellent source for dietary fiber. Plus, pears are low on the glycemic index, making them a good choice for healthy carbs. A fresh, sweet, juicy pear, brought together with a mild white cheese and a crisp white wine makes a lovely appetizer or dessert for any occasion – or perhaps, no occasion at all!

There are a few things to keep in mind when gathering pears, cheese and wine together in one sitting. The idea is to create a nice balance and harmony between the three; not only with the flavor profiles of each, but with their textures, as well.
Here are a few "pearings" to get you started:

Quest for Authentic Asian Cuisine Blends Lemon Grass with Lychee

2008-01-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lemon Grass with Lychee. The very essence of this simple phrase evokes images of far-away places. Places that practically flaunt their extraordinary sights and sounds smack-dab in the face of our sometimes pedestrian life. Places where things are done a bit differently. Places with markets and eateries that showcase seemingly exotic foods as every day fare. Such striking images are to be expected. After all, lemon grass and lychee, each an Asian culinary delight, are fairly new arrivals to the Western world’s palate...

Read the rest of the article now at Suite101.com featuring two fabulous recipes: Lemon Grass & Lychee Martinis and a lovely dessert, Lemon Grass Panna Cotta with Tropical Lychee Salsa. Plus, you'll get tips on buying, storing and using this fabulously fragrant pairing!

Want more martini recipes? See the Urban Girl's Martini Club collection here!

SURPRISE! Urban Girl Is Back...

2008-01-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back ... as a contributing writer for the online magazine, Suite101.com The Genuine Article. Literally. Why Suite101.com? Because they have 7 million readers (YES!) just like you ~ all looking for the latest-greatest news and information gathered together in one easy location.

"What all does Suite101.com have to offer?" you ask. Other than this urban girl's favorite topics: Food & Drink, Home & Style, Health & Wellness, there are also categories for Parenting, Business & Finance, Film & TV, Travel, and so on. You know, a little sumthin-sumthin for everyone!

So what have I been writing on Suite101.com? To kick things off I covered the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2008. Now, you can be-in-the-know when it comes to the top 10 flavor pairings expected to appear on your favorite menus this year. And to explore these pairings a little further, is my first article in this series, Cocoa & Chile: A Trendy Pair where you can "Discover Old-World Authenticity With a Modern Flair".

I must say. It is good to be back musing again! And. I would be remiss not to send a BIG THANKS to the urban girls who sent such lovely notes in response to my sign-off in November. Your kind words and good wishes truly warmed my heart. You're the bestest!

These. Are the Days. Of the Dead.

2007-11-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

With traditions dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans, and the eventual fusion of Catholicism into the Mexican culture, Día de los Muertos is a HUGE Mexican celebration honoring the memory of deceased loved ones. It's believed these beloved ancestors visit the living here on earth just once a year. And. It happens to be November 1st, All Saints' Day and the 2nd, All Souls' Day!

Traditional Mexican families celebrate Día de los Muertos by visiting and decorating graves or by constructing altars in their homes in honor of their ancestors. Small personal tokens, skull dolls, traditional foods and flowers decorate the altar awaiting the souls' return visit to earth. Oh and BTW. Since keeping bones and skulls of those passed is now discouraged in all but a few parts of the world, skulls and bones made of sugar are now a widely accepted symbol of the dearly departed. Whew.

Honey is also a part of this celebration as ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed honey to have many spiritual qualities including wisdom, hope, healing, and of course, immortality. Those crazy Mayans even had a god of bees and honey - Ah Muzenkab. That being said, it's no wonder traditional Día de los Muertos foods are made with honey - in celebration of the living and of the soul's crossing over into the afterlife. Boo.

Buñuelos with Drizzled Honey

100% pure honey to taste
1 package fresh, unbaked flour tortillas

1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups vegetable oil

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Fry unbaked tortillas in hot oil until golden brown and place over paper towel to drain excess oil. Mix cinnamon and sugar, sprinkle over fried buñuelos. Drizzle 100% pure honey on buñuelos to taste.

Atole
Atole is a traditional Mexican drink celebrating corn.

1/2 cup masa flour
4-1/2 cups warm milk
1 cinnamon stick + 4 for garnish
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup 100% pure honey

Dissolve masa flour with ½ cup hot milk until smooth. Pour remaining hot milk into a saucepan, add masa flour mixture, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract and honey. Stir constantly over medium heat until fully combined and mixture has thickened. Serve hot with cinnamon stick garnish.

Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread)

1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, cut into 8 pieces
1/4 cup 100% pure honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup very warm water
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon anise seed

Preheat oven to 350F.
In a small bowl, melt butter in microwave. Add milk, honey and salt to melted butter. In another bowl, mix yeast with lukewarm water until yeast is dissolved and let stand for 5 minutes. Separate yolk from egg whites. Add yolk to yeast mixture and reserve the whites for later. In a mixer bowl, combine flour, honey mixture and yeast. Knead the dough with a dough hook for several minutes until dough separates from the bowl. With your hands, form dough into a ball, return to bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Turn oven off and let the dough rise to double in size.
Knead dough on a floured surface. Separate dough in three large pieces and one smaller piece. Form the three balls from the larger pieces and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. With the smaller dough piece, roll out 6 pieces resembling bones. Place two bones (crosswise) per dough ball. Brush the remaining egg white over the dough and sprinkle anise seeds. Loosely cover dough with plastic wrap and allow to sit for another 45 minutes. Once the 45 minutes are up, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Sugar Skulls

2 egg whites
1 tablespoon 100% pure honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups granulated sugar

Combine egg whites, pure honey and vanilla extract. Pour honey mixture into sugar. With your hands, thoroughly combine sugar and honey until you have a consistency similar to wet sand. You know you have the right mix if you can form a ball by squeezing the sugar in your hand. Tightly pack the sugar mix into the molds and wipe off excess. Invert onto a flat surface and allow to dry for 24 hours. You are now ready to decorate your skulls!

Recipes and photo images courtesy of the National Honey Board.

Dad. A Blond Wig and Fishnet Stockings. It Must be Halloween!

2007-10-18T11:50:00.000-06:00

I figured it out early on. It was the first time I saw Dad in a blond wig, tight sweater, mini skirt and black fishnet stockings that I realized (maybe hoped a little) Halloween wasn't just for us kids. No sireeee! So well did he pull off this venture into cross-dressing that even Grandma uttered to the strange, un-costumed "gal" standing there with his back to her, "Where's Lyle tonight?" "Duh Grandma!" we tittered while sweating behind our Muenster-family plastic masks. If I'd known better, I'd probably been a little more scared over the whole thing! Anyway, by the time the rest of the party-goer's arrived in their late-60's, politically-charged costumes that we didn't quite understand, we were out the door for an evening of trick-or-treating. Alone. Just us and a sugar-high. No bored, shivering parents (dressed in short skirts and heels) trying to keep up as we ran from house-to-house, block-to-block-to-block. Oh yeah. Good times!

So. We're all grown up now. And if memories of dad, a blond wig, and fishnet stockings haunt you, too, try these frighteningly delicious cocktails this All Hallow's Eve. And maybe on Devil's Night, too. You know. Just for good measure.

Vampire Kiss Martini

1 shot vodka, chilled
1 shot Champagne, chilled
1 shot Chambord, (black raspberry liqueur chilled
Wax teeth (garnish)

Chill martini glasses Pour vodka in a martini glass, top with Champagne and pour a little of the Chambord over the back of a spoon to make it float.

Recipe and photo image courtesy of Foodnetwork.com.

Black Screwdriver

1 1/2 ounces Blavod Black Vodka, chilled
3 ounces Tangerine juice, pulp-free and chilled
Halloween candy (garnish)

Add ice to a highball glass, pour tangerine juice. Top with vodka and garnish with Halloween candy on a swizzle stick.

Recipe and photo image courtesy of Cocktailtimes.com.

Jack-O-Lantern

2 ounces dark rum

1 ounce pumpkin molasses

1/2 ounce brewed coffee, chilled

Splash Kahlua

Gingerbread cookie (garnish)

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a ginger bread cookie.

Recipe and photo image courtesy of Cocktailtimes.com.

"So. Just when is this Devil's Night?" you ask. Go to the Urban Girl's Almanac front page and check the calendar for the answer.

There's No Egg on Your Face!

2007-10-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

It's another one of those "Who knew?" days. Yes. It's World Egg Day. The world has set aside this day to honor the lovely, the talented, the egg. After all. Without the egg. Where would we be? And. While we're on the subject. Which came first, the chicken or the egg. I'm thinking the chicken. No. The egg. No. It must be the chicken. But. Without the egg...sigh.

Enough of the deep thoughts. Simply laid-out. (pun intended) Eggs are a powerhouse of essential nutrients! A full bakers-dozen of nutrients, in fact! These include a high-quality protein, folate, iron and zinc. At just about 75 calories each, eggs play a role in eye health, brain function, muscle strength and even weight management!

Now. You'd think that since about a gazillion-billion eggs are eaten worldwide each and every year, in some form or another, we'd know better how to cook'em. Not so true. Case in point. I'll bet boiling an egg terrifies most of you. It surely does me. Another sigh. Which cooking method to use? Will they break? Will the darn things peel? Will the yolk be centered? Will there be a grey-ring-around-the-yellow-yolk? This anxiety just to make a simple deviled egg salad. Gasp. Don't even mention souffle or hollandaise to me. Shudder.

So. Who better to go to than the American Egg Board to answer the basics of cooking an eggs:

How to Hard-Boil Eggs:
1. Place fresh eggs in single layer in saucepan. Add enough water to cover at least 1 inch above eggs. 2. Cover. Quickly bring just to boiling. Turn off heat.
3. If necessary, remove pan from burner to prevent further boiling. Let eggs stand, covered, in the hot water about 15 minutes for large eggs (12 minutes for medium, 18 for extra-large).

4. Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled.
5. To remove shell, crackle it by tapping gently all over.
6. Roll egg between hands to loosen shell.
7. Peel, starting at large end. Hold egg under running cold water or dip in bowl of water to help ease off shell.

How to to make Shirred (Baked) Eggs:
1. Break and slip 2 eggs into greased ramekin, shallow baking dish or 10-ounce custard cup.
2. Spoon 1 tablespoon skim or 1% low-fat milk, half and half or light cream over eggs.
3. Bake in preheated 325° F oven until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, about 12 to 18 minutes, depending on number of servings being baked.

How to make a Hollandaise Sauce:
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup firm cold butter, cut into eighths
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Dash ground red pepper

In small saucepan, beat together egg yolks, water and lemon juice. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until yolk mixture bubbles at edges. Stir in butter, 1 piece at a time, until melted and sauce is thickened. Stir in seasonings. Remove from heat. Cover and chill if not using immediately.

Yummy on fresh berries!

How to make a Soft (Stirred) Custard Sauce:

8 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups low-fat milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

In a large saucepan, beat together egg yolks, sugar and salt. Stir milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and reaches 160° F. Remove from heat.
Cool quickly by setting pan in bowl of ice or cold water and stirring for a few minutes. Stir in vanilla.
Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Want to know what else is happening in October? Go to the Urban Girl's Alamanac front page for more information on holidays and special observances. Go girl. Go now!

It's a BOOtiful Thing!

2007-10-09T08:15:00.000-06:00

It's a BOOtiful thing! Halloween decor is ON SALE NOW at Illuminations.

(Shown clockwise from upper left.)
Lrg. Color-Changing Ghost Candle Mysteriously aglow with changing colors, these ghoulish wax candles set the stage for a hauntingly good time. Ingeniously illuminated by an interior LED, our luminous ghosts and humorous tombstones generate a light show of constantly shifting colors and automatically turn off when the flame is extinguished.

Glass Eyeball Scatter These diabolical eyeballs create a magnificently spooky effect, especially when lit by a flickering flame. Ingeniouisly illuminated by an interior LED, the creepy candle generates a light show of shifting colors that automatically truns off when the flame is extinguished

Glow-In-The-Dark Skeleton Stake No haunted yard is complete without a looming skeleton, hands thrown in the air to startle the unsuspecting. Outlined with glow-in-the-dark paint, this metal Skeleton Stake is backlit by a votive or tealight for even more luminosity. You'll raise plenty of spirits with the metal Skeleton Lantern, a classic addition to fright-night decor both indoors and out. Place one or two in a front windowsill, line multiples along a pathway or hang them from one of our adjustable metal stakes to set a spooky mood.

Haunted Mansion Tealight Holders With silhouetted spiders and flickering glass windows of orange, green, and purple, these twisted mansions cast an eerie glow. Made of sturdy iron and designed with doors that actually open, these haunted houses create a delightfully spooky tableau.

Large Silhouette Halloween Scene Dramatically lit from behind, this freestanding metal piece will be the center of attention for many Halloweens to come. This large silhouette, a captivating mantel piece or tabletop display, portrays a haunting tableau of twisted branches, hovering bats, eerie cat and fierce-looking witch, all illuminated by nine ghostly tealights.

Looking for more stuff for Halloween fun? Shop the BOOtique on the Urban Girl's Almanac front page today!

Get That Popcorn Poppin'!

2007-10-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Holy Popped Popcorn! We Americans consume 16 billion quarts of popped corn each and every year. That's 54 quarts for every man, woman and their collective children. Seriously. Why not! Popcorn, otherwise known as Zea mays everta, is a grain, which adds fiber and energy-producing carbs to our diet. In its mostest wholesome state, popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. Yeah. Like we eat it in its wholesome state!

That being said. And. It needed to be said. Enjoy these fabulous Fall popcorn treats!

Maple Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

5 cups popped popcorn
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice mix
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a large saucepan, heat brown sugar, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice mix over medium heat. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is bubbling. Stir in butter until melted and well blended. Add pecans and popcorn and stir until well coated.

Allow mixture to cool before serving. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Spicy Cajun Popcorn & Nuts

8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Place popcorn and nuts in large bowl.
In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter on HIGH until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in dry mustard, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
Drizzle over popcorn mixture and toss well.

Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters

10 cups popped popcorn

2 cups whole almonds

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup light corn syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 225°F. Spray 15 x 10 baking sheet with non-stick spray. Mix popcorn and almonds in large bowl.

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Over low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda. Pour over popcorn and almonds, immediately stirring gently to coat. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.

Bake for 1 hour. Cool completely. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

Chili Lime Popcorn

4 cups popped popcorn

1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast powder (or nutritional yeast)
1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, mix popcorn, yeast powder, lime juice, chili powder and salt. Spread popcorn mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet. Heat about 7 minutes and toss just before serving. Serve warm.

A few popcorn factoids to leave you with...

It's all about the popability, baby! To keep raw popcorn kernels popable, always store in an airtight glass or plastic container. But never in the fridge, as this will cause the kernel to dry out - deeming them un-popable!

We can thank our Mid-western friends for keeping us plied with popcorn - most of the world's popcorn is grown in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio.

And last but not least. For anyone that's worked in an office, you likely know that popping popcorn is the numero uno use for the ole' microwave. Ooh-ooh. Smell that smell.

Recipes and photo images courtesy of the Popcorn Board.

Gimme Something Good To Eat!

2007-09-26T12:30:00.000-06:00

Blah. Blah. Whatever. Gimme something good to eat! Forget about the TRICK! Let's get directly to the TREAT!

(Shown clockwise from upper left)

Pumpkin Cake A sweet herald of fall. Six layers of vanilla spiced cake with praline butter cream and a center layer of rich chocolate fudge. Handmade by an award-winning artisan baker who air brushes the cake for an edible decoration to bewitch your guests. A trick and a treat.

Apple Crate Cake A Bay Area pastry guru created this cake just for Dean & Deluca. This chocolate caramel cake is packed with marzipan apples sitting on a bed of white chocolate straw. Entirely edible and perfect for fall entertaining.

Halloween Marzipan Figurines Another Dean & Deluca Exclusive! These handmade Halloween figures are made exclusively by Rebecca Russell whose sculpted characters have been featured in the New York Times. This spooky trio of fright has a Ghost, Frankenstein and Dracula.

Spider Web Cake Conjured by a pastry wizard, dense chocolate layers cushioned with orange-chocolate mousse, covered with vanilla buttercream and cloaked in mystery and tinted white chocolate. A dark chocolate spider spins a shimmering, white chocolate silver-dusted web over all.

Costume Kid Cookies Butter cookies decorated with a trick or treat theme including four kids in costume, four candy corns, four Tootsie Rolls®, and two trick-or-treat buckets. As cute as can be!

For these BOOtiful treats and more, go to DEAN & DELUCA - The Icon of the American Epicurean Experience now!

Now. One would have to be out-of-one's-skull not to have noticed that the skinless-empty-cranium just so happens to be the "IT" decor for this Halloween season. And why not? Afterall. It seems like forever that the skull has taken a backseat to the ever-popular green-faced (sporting the requisite wart) witch and the adorable, white-clad (a post Labor Day fashion faux pas, no less) boo-howling ghost. But those days are behind us. Yes. The skull is - finally and frightfully so - having it's night! So BOO there, mr. ghost!

(Shown clockwise from upper left)
Skull Stationery Long before the proliferation of email, we wrote invitations to soirees and thank-you notes by hand. For an unusual gift, look no further then these doom and gloom hand-painted, linen cards with envelopes. All dressed up with a skull. Spooky chic.

Skull Candle Douglas Little has his own unique collection of rare oils and extracts from all over the globe from which he blends the fabulous fragrances for his candles. This season he's created these striking black skulls. Creepy, weird and wonderful!

Porcelain Claw Candleholder The white porcelain base is shaped into an out-stretched pheasant and gives way to a flower, sprouting from a branch. Unexpected elegance with an eye for the dramatic.

Skull Plates This set of four black porcelain plates with silver details makes an original Halloween statement. Perfect for serving or just for table decor. Presented in stitched Burmese black silk boxes with hand-pleated tissue.

Skull Swizzle Sticks It's said the swizzle stick was invented by a gentleman who was trying to fish the olive out of his martini without using his fingers. We think these are a spooky interpretation of the classic.

Go ahead (pun intended). Make the skull a part of your eerie evenings this Halloween. Get creeped-out today, DEAN & DELUCA - The Icon of the American Epicurean Experience.

Honey. Honey, Honey

2007-09-18T17:00:00.000-06:00

You may keep that pudgy bear-shaped bottle of honey in your pantry simply for its cuteyness. Only to get it out when a case of the sniffles or a sore throat comes along. Ah.There's nothing quite like a sipping a steaming cuppa tea sweetened with just a drizzle of honey while tucked-in on the sofa with a fave blankey in front of a mindless TV show to make one feel betterer. Sniff.

While honey certainly has its health benefits for the inside of the body, it's pretty darn good for outside surfaces, as well! But. Wait. Before we get to that. "How's it good for the inside of me?" you ask now all-abuzz. Well. It just so happens honey is loaded with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Say, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid (like. wow. man.), calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese (a little-known Chinese language), phosphorus, potassium and, our good friend, zinc. Honey's also good for eliminating those free radicals running loose in the bod; i.e. it has those beautiful antioxidants we so love. BTW. The darker in color the honey, the more free-radical-fighting antioxidants contained in said honey. Ain't that the bees knees, now.

Honey, as a natural healing agent, has been around since ancient times - it's been used to treat everything from tummy aches to baldness. Regarding the latter - I'm not sure if the honey was ingested or applied as a topical treatment:-) Anyway. Honey does possess a unique wound-healing ability due to its serious antimicrobial properties. I've witnessed this. On a newly-hatched baby turkey, no less. Seriously.

Honey is also a humectant. It's true. Honey actually promotes the retention of moisture, which makes it a perfect ingredient for hair and skin care products. Plus, being the anti-irritant that it is, honey is perfecto for sensitive skin and baby care products, too. In fact. Women of the world have been using honey as a beauty secret for years and years. Queen Cleo of Egypt was famous for her milk and honey baths, while an ancient-Chinese-secret involves blending honey with ground orange seeds for a blemish-free complexion.

By now. You're used to getting yummy recipes from this Urban Girl. And, all this honey chatter is making you hungry for a sweet treat. Well. Too bad. Today's recipes are about nourishing the outside of you. So, it's really a good thing! With just a few easy ingredients you, too, can bathe like an Egyptian!

Lavender-Honey Milk Bath

3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
1-1/2 cups whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 cup honey

Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.

Honey and Oat Exfoliant

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup oatmeal

Mix and smooth over clean face. Massage and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse completely with warm water.

Moisture Mask

2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons milk

Mix honey with milk in a small bowl. Smooth over face and throat. Leave 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

This body scrub is said to rid your skin of dry patches and aid in circulation. It will leave your skin smooth and supple while it firms and tones!

Morning Buzz Body Scrub

1/4 cup freshly ground coffee
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 egg white

In mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, honey, grapeseed oil and egg white, mix thoroughly. Slowly add coffee and wheat germ being careful not to clot or clump. Scrub should be smooth and creamy but with a slight grit. Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes. Apply all over in shower or bath using a washcloth or body sponge to aid in exfoliation. Rinse completely.

Skin Softening Bath

Add 1/4 cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine

1 teaspoon honey
4 cups warm water
Lemon (for blondes)

Stir honey into warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Hair Conditioner

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil, use 2 Tbsp. for normal hair

Mix honey and olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

Here's a scrub to satisfy the gourmand in you ... and, to soothe and smooth that dry irritated skin.

Honey Peanut Polish

1 apricot
1 ripe pear
1/2 plum
3 tsp. honey
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts

Using a food processor, chop peanuts until almost powder consistency. Set aside. Using a blender or food processor combine apricot, pear and plum. Blend to gel consistency and place contents in glass or hard plastic bowl. Stir in honey and peanuts. On cleansed skin apply small amount of honey peanut polish. Starting at the cheeks, massage in light circular motions moving to forehead, nose, chin and neck, reapplying product where needed. Repeat. Product may be left on skin as a mask or rinsed immediately. Remove with tepid or cool water. Pat dry skin with soft towel and follow with appropriate moisturizer.

Newly inspired to take your spa treatments into your own hands, (literally) you reach into the pantry and discover it's been awhile since pudgy bear has surfaced. He been crystallized! No worry. The honey is still good, it's just that the glucose has evaporated and needs to be refreshed. Simply place the honey jar in warm water and stir until dissolved. Voila! Good as new.

Recipes and photo images courtesy of the National Honey Board.

Fabulous Find! ~ Things Cooks Love

2007-09-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

One of my mostest-favorite stores - with a beautifully-photographed catalog - has to be Sur La Table. Even if you're not a "foodie-per-se" - they'll inspire you to get into the kitchen - and stay there!

So. You're in the kitchen. You open your utensil drawer and suddenly your mish-mash of kitchen tools looks like the remnants of 12-family yard sale. Hmmm. What to do? Well. You're in luck! "Why?" you ask surprisingly excited. Well, 'cuz Sur La Table has just introduced their Things Cooks Love collection of culinary tools and utensils.

Now. You can really splurge and get the ultimate Things Cooks Love™ 32-Piece Chef’s Collection. Or. Collect a few as you need them. Either way, these kitchen essentials lovingly crafted just for Sur La Table will provide you with the confidence that only centuries-old artisanal tradition can bring!

See what else is new this season - go to the Urban Girl's Almanac front page for more fabulous finds!

Happy New Year 5768!

2007-09-12T12:30:00.000-06:00

As the sun sets this evening, and for the next two days, our Jewish friends will observe and quietly celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. These holy days honor the creation of the world. This year, Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew for "head of the year", marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5768.

Rosh Hashanah is not celebrated in the traditional sense - i.e. party like it's 1999! (that's the Gregorian year 1999 not Jewish year 1999) No. It's a time for prayer, personal introspection, and spiritual growth. Families and friends send greeting cards wishing each other well for the new year and, of course, they gather for feasts of traditional Jewish foods! For many families, Rosh Hashanah meals begin with a simple course of apples and honey. Apples represent the fruits of the harvest while the honey symbolizes sweet wishes for the new year to come. A blessing said over challah, a Jewish egg bread, is also a tradition of Rosh Hashanah. This round bread loaf, sweetened with honey for Rosh Hashanah, symbolizes the circle of life and hopes of a life enduring without end.

Honey plays an important part in many Rosh Hashanah recipes. So Jewish or not, if you like honey, you'll enjoy this popular Rosh Hashanah dessert, Lekach Honey Cake. And in keeping with this week's Perfect Pantry theme, the pantry ingredients are highlighted.

Lekach Honey Cake

1/2 cup strong coffee, cooled
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon brandy, optional
2 eggs
2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease a 9-inch square pan; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine coffee, honey and brandy; mix well. Using an electric mixer and a large bowl, beat eggs just until mixed. Add oil and brown sugar. Combine flour, baking powder, baking powder, baking soda and spices in a seperate bowl; mix well. Add flour mixture and honey mixture alternately to egg mixture.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, if desired.

Recipe adaptation and photo image courtesy of the National Honey Board.

Urban Girl's Perfect Pantry Shopping List

2007-09-11T11:35:00.000-06:00

As promised in my August 28th posting, The Squirrel in You ~ Secrets to a Well-Stocked Pantry, here's this urban girl's idea of the Perfect Pantry - all neatly-done-up in a shopping checklist - just for you!

Keep in mind - it's only a Perfect Pantry item if it fits with you and your family's tastes. Always avoid buying a food product, "just in case" you'll need it/want it "someday". From personal experience, I've found it to be a great way to waste good money. Money that could go towards that gorgegous pair of shoes...

So. Now that YOU - too! - have the Perfect Pantry, here are a few easy recipes with these Perfect Pantry ingredients available now at your fingertips! As before, the Perfect Pantry ingredients are highlighted.

Skillet Double Cornbread

No-stick cooking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper; freshly ground
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (4 ounces) green chiles, drained

Preheat the oven to 400º F. Coat a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. Place the pan in the oven while you make the batter.

Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper. Mix in the milk, oil, and egg just until moistened. Beat in the corn and chilies. Remove the skillet from the oven with a heavy pot holder. Spoon the batter evenly into the pan and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cornbread is firm, golden, and pulls away from the sides. Cool for 5 minutes and cut into wedges or squares to serve warm or at room temperature.

Santa Fe Chicken Soup

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (14 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with jalapeño peppers, undrained
1 cup water
1/2 cup long-grain brown or white rice
4 (6-inch) flour tortillas, cut in 1/4-inch strips
2 1/2 cups pre-cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) zucchini with Italian-style tomato sauce
1 can (11 ounces) whole corn, drained
1 can (8 1/4 ounces) sliced carrots, drained
2 tablespoons lime juice

Heat the oven to 400°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in large, heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, water and rice, and increase the heat to medium high. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Meanwhile, toss the tortilla strips with remaining 1 teaspoon oil on a baking sheet. Spread the tortillas out on the sheet, and bake for about 6 minutes, stirring twice, until light, golden and crisp.
Add the chicken, zucchini, corn and carrots to the soup. Cook, uncovered for about 10 minutes, until heated through. Stir in the lime juice, and remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle tortilla strips over the top.

Cherry-Berry Pie

2 prepared, refrigerated (9-inch) pie crusts
1 can (16 1/2 ounces) blackberries, drained
1 can (16 1/2 ounces) blueberries, drained
1 can (16 ounces) pitted pie cherries, drained
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
Grated peel of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450º F. Fit one crust into 9-inch pie pan; don’t trim.

In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and pour into pie shell. Lay second crust over filling. Fold top crust edge under edge of bottom crust, then crimp to seal; cut 3 or 4 vents in top crust. Bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes; reduce oven to 350ºF and continue to bake 30 to 35 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Recipes and photo images courtesy of the Canned Food Alliance.

Don't Forget Those Who Spoil You!

2007-09-06T10:30:00.000-06:00

National Grandparent's Day is Sunday, September 9th! Our floral designer friends at MarthaStewartFlowers.com have selected a collection of farm-fresh floral gifts that are perfect for your grammy and grandpa! Here's just a few of their fabulous offerings:

Shown clockwise from upper left:
White Hydrangea Plant Luxuriant clusters of snowy white blooms make the hydrangea a showy addition to a table or mantel. If desired, next year it can be planted outdoors for many seasons of enjoyment. This hydrangea plant bears at least 3 stalks of flower heads and is ready to bloom upon arrival.

Gardenia Topiary Favored for their glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, creamy-white blooms, gardenias have a long history in the southern United States, where they thrive. This topiary is shipped directly from the nursery in a classic 6" terra-cotta pot.

Lavender and Pale Pink Rose Bouquet The subtle blush of our Pale Pink Roses are combined with the vibrant mauve of Cool Water Roses for a truly unique bouquet. The dazzling color combination provides a sweet and sophisticated look, making it the perfect bouquet for gifts. These roses come directly from the farm, so they’re sure to be fresh on arrival.

Scarlet Gerbera Daisies These Gerberas possess soft, densely packed petals and rich, dark centers.

Terra Cotta Bouquet This classic bouquet boasts lush terra cotta roses, red hypericum, and beautiful orange snapdragons, and is perfect as a gift or decoration for any room. Like all of our flowers, this bouquet will be fresh on arrival.

Don't Wait Another MINUTE! Grandparent's Day is just around the corner! Order today and delivery by Saturday (2 days from now!) is guaranteed!

Not that you'd expect anything less from the fabulous Ms. Stewart and her flock-of-peeps ~ the Flower care and Styling page is perfect for those of us in need of a little guidance and inspiration!

Fabulous Finds for Fall Decorating

2007-09-04T11:30:00.000-06:00

Change is in the air. No. This is not the beginning of a politically-charged-deep-thought. (I try to keep those to myself!) Literally. Simply. The air was noticeably cooler this morning. So, it got me thinking about Fall. And decorating for Fall. And how much I LOVE-LOVE decorating for Fall. And that it seems my Fall decorating spree comes just a tad earlier each year and gets just a bit bigger. And how Fall is absolutely-positively my favorite time of year.

So. In search of some Fabulous Finds For Fall, (afterall, there's some room left in my Fall decor closet) I not only found a fabulous selection of apple, gourd and pumpkin candles, I also found this great offer from Illuminations-15% Off Entire Order + Free Shipping on Orders over $75.

Shown clockwise from upper left:
Floating Apples These life-sized, artfully crafted apples evoke the old-fashioned delight of country fairs and harvest festivals. So remarkably realistic you'll be tempted to take a juicy bite. Illuminations faux apples bob and drift with a tranquil grace, illuminated by the rich glow of candlelight.

Rustic Gourd Candles With their intriguing shapes and soft, warm colors, gourds are a quintessential element of autumn decor. The four varieties have the advantage of also being working candles, glowing with a rustic finish and textured with a realistic attention to detail, right down to every bump and ridge. Bring the season's bountiful harvest to your tabletop by designing a cornucopia centerpiece of our candlelit gourds, with added pumpkins, squash, and Indian corn. The candles also create a striking effect when arranged in a glass bowl or pillar plate atop a buffet or mantel.

Illuminations 2007 Fall Fragrances: Spiced Orange Scented Candles feature a succulent blend of tangy cranberry, sweet orange and an infusion of spicy clove.

Ceramic Pumpkins Pleasingly plump and glazed with a soft, rustic finish, these charming terracotta pumpkins are every bit as inviting as the real thing. The large size holds a 3" pillar and the small size holds a votive or tealight, casting a cozy glow as they add a fresh-from-the-fields accent to autumn tables and seasonal decor. Create your own pumpkin patch by arranging several on a front porch or line them up along a walkway to light the way for guests.

Illuminations 2007 Fall Fragrances: Roasting Chestnuts Scented Pillar Candles are a tantalizing blend of sugared roasted chestnuts, bergamot and cinnamon, underscored with alluring notes of nutmeg, caramel, allspice and amber.

Now. Why this obsession with Fall? Perhaps. Cuz', just like an apple, I fell to earth (well, that's debatable) during the Autumnal Equinox of a very good year...

Pear Rosemary Martini

2007-08-31T11:30:00.002-06:00

Need a refreshing libation for a hot summer night? "Why not?", you ask rhetorically. Well then. Try this refreshing Pear Rosemary Martini featuring - whatelse - the clean, crisp tastes of fruity pears and the herbaceously-piney rosemary. It's a perfect cocktail for entertaining with friends this weekend or simply sipping while sitting around your patio fire pit. Enjoy!

Pear Rosemary Martini

8 ounces vodka

2 ounce pear brandy
2 tablespoons Rosemary Syrup

1 tablespoon lemon juice

ice
4 sugared rosemary sprigs* (sugaring is optional)

Make Rosemary Syrup and sugared rosemary sprigs.

Chill 4 martini glasses. Fill a martini shaker with ice. Add vodka, brandy, rosemary syrup and lemon juice. Shake quickly and pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with sugared (un-sugared) rosemary sprigs.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit.

Sugared Rosemary Sprigs

2 teaspoons meringue powder

2 tablespoons water

fine granulated sugar (baker's sugar)

4 4-inch rosemary sprigs

Rinse rosemary sprigs.

In a small bowl mix meringue powder and water.

Dredge rosemary sprigs through the meringue mixture, thoroughly coating the leaves and stem. Using a small craft paintbrush, evenly distribute meringue, removing any excess, but ensuring all leaves and stem have been coated.

Holding the meringue-coated sprig over a plate of sheet of waxed paper, sprinkle the sprig with sugar. Rotate the sprig to ensure all sides are coated with sugar. Set aside and let dry for 30-minutes to one hour.

Lake Champlain Chocolates ~ American Made!

2007-08-21T13:30:00.000-06:00

What started out as a seemingly light-hearted challenge between a Lake Champlain waterfront restaurant owner and his pastry chef, "a man of high epicurean standards", soon turned into a thriving new business. It seems Mr. Pastry Chef had just about enough of the expensive truffles Mr. Restaurant Owner was presenting to him and the rest of the staff as "gifts". Apparently, they tasted like waxy poo-poo. Or, something to that effect. (I wasn't actually there.) Mr. R-O then invited Mr. P-C to make his own darn truffles if he thought he was such a gourmet-snobby-pants. Or, something like that.

So he did. Mr. P-C soon presented Mr. R-O with perhaps the finest truffles Mr. R-O had ever tasted. The restaurant's Sunday afternoon patrons became a pseudo-focus-group for the truffles. These creamy taste sensations were such crowd-pleasers, Lake Champlain Chocolates was destined to be born. In fact, these delicate treats were so, so very fabulous that local chocoholics were willing to traipse through the alley to the restaurant's backdoor just to get to them. And. If you've ever been in the back alley of a restaurant, you know it ain't pretty back there...

Now. That's gotta be good chocolate. Perhaps that's why The New York Times calls Lake Champlain Chocolates "some of the best chocolate in the country." But. Don't their word for it - Get your own sampling today!

Milk and Dark Chocolate Truffles The richness of pure chocolate, the freshness of Vermont cream, the sweetness of butter, the allure of velvety smooth ganache, the inspiration of impassioned flavors — all harmoniously blended into delightful symphonies of satisfaction. Distinct natural flavors make these big chocolate morsels the ultimate dessert. A spectacular treat! Milk and dark Chocolate Truffles include Cappuccino, Vanilla Malt, All Milk, Grande Valencia (orange liqueur), Legendary Dark, French Roast, Raspberry, and Champagne. Made in Vermont!

Seriously. Could He Be More Irresistible?

Chocolate Frog This 4-inch tall milk chocolate frog sits on a white chocolate lily pad. Hand decorated with dark chocolate accents.Comes in a clear gift bag tied with a colorful ribbon at the top. Available only at Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Chocolate Golf Balls Three dark chocolate truffles covered in white chocolate and dimpled like oversized golf balls. In a gift box with ribbon, they're sure to hit the sweet spot! Made in Vermont. Order today from Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Seasonal Non-Pareils French for "nothing better," once you've had non-pareils, you might find it hard to argue with their name. Delicious dark chocolates seeded with multicolor sugar candy. The taste, the texture, the crunch — there is nonpareil. Comes in a gift bag with ribbon. Candy colors change with the seasons (just like Vermont!). Lake Champlain Chocolates

Oh. BTW. These folks have become so very successful that they've moved their chocolate factory out of the restaurant and into 24,000 square-foot facility located in Burlington, Vermont. So, as we head into Labor Day weekend, here's one for ya. A jest between friends and business partners to create-a-better-product-for-the-money became a passion for chocolate-craftsmanship that now employs 100-peeps-in-the-peak-production-season!

You Say Apricot, We Say Apercot

2007-08-18T08:45:00.000-06:00

It wasn't until I was well into my twenties did I realize that the fuzzball of a fruit I so much detested wasn't called an aPERcot, after all. Nope. This not-as-pretty-as-a-peach-fuzzball was actually an aPRIcot. Now. This sluggish version of the word seemed to be well-entrenched in my home-town's dialect. Hardly a summer would go by that you wouldn't hear something like, "Yep, we put up darn-near 5 bushels of aPERcots this year. We can have canned aPERcots pert'neer every day come spring." This from a town that has "coulees" instead of canals and "barrow-pits" instead of roadside-medians. Huh. The things you learn when you move away.

Anyway back to aPRIcots. Because. I know a bunch of you out there just love'em! And why not. This fleshy stone fruit is loaded with vitamins A and C, provides a good source of potassium, and adds iron, calcium, phosphorus and fiber to your diet! No surprise here; aPRIcots are low in fat, calories and sodium.

Grilled Fresh Apricots & Lavender

woody lavender branches
fresh apricots, pitted and halved
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon lavender buds

Remove and reserve about half of the buds from the lower portion of 6-inch woody lavender branches. Thread halved, pitted apricots onto branches.

In a saucepan combine honey, butter, and lavender buds. Cook over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a sieve to remove lavender buds. Brush mixture onto apricots.

Grill on a greased grill rack directly over medium-hot coals for 1 minute on each side.

And for the more ambitious aPRIcot aficionados...

California Apricot Pecan Waffles

1 pound fresh apricots, diced

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons sugar

2 cups buttermilk

1 large egg yolk

3 large egg whites

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

Preheat waffle iron.

In a large bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue beating until firm peaks form and egg whites are shiny. Set aside.

Whisk together buttermilk, egg yolk, vanilla and oil. Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in apricots and pecans. Stir 1/4 of egg whites into waffle batter; fold in remaining whites. Measure 2/3 cup batter for each waffle.

Cook about 4 minutes per waffle. Serve with butter and warm maple or berry syrups. Or try whipped cream or ice cream for a yummy dessert.

Now. As to why I "detest" these seemingly delicious baby-fuzz-fruits-of-summer. It's not so much the taste I dislike - as it is with the childhood chore attached to them. You know - those chores meant to keep busy minds busy and tired. So. My assigned chore was to pick up the aPERcots that fell from the hundreds of aPERcot trees in our yard. Well. It seemed like hundreds. Could have been just two or three. Anyway. By the time I'd get done making dandelion soup and stacks of bakery mud pies, these blue-green and fuzzier than ever aPERcots started to become one with the earth. Apparently, it wasn't enough to let nature finish taking its course. So stick in hand, there I'd go, out to conquer the fallen and decaying enemy of my childhood - the aPERcot. Then careful, ever so careful, "please god don't let it fall off the stick" I'd transport my stick-stabbed victim to the nearest trash bag. Or hurl it over the fence. Whichever came first.

Grilled Apricot recipe and photo image courtesy of BHG.com. Apricot Pecan Waffle recipe and photo image provided by The California Fresh Apricot Council.

We All Need Someone We Can Lean On...

2007-08-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

...and if you need some inspiration - you can lean on me! Ah yes. The time-consuming task of searching for fabulous-living-inspiration on mega-online-bookstores has been done for you. And for you. And for you, too! No matter what your taste or style!

Uh-huh. Even the mostest-domesticated-urban-girl needs a little inspirational-kick-in-the-booty now and again. Sometimes more NOW than again! Sooooooooo. Without further-a-buzz....

Introducing the latest-greatest feature on the Almanac's front page: Good Reads For Fabulous Living! It's a virtual mini-library of good taste! Choose from such fabulous topics as Food For Thought or What's Your Style?

Here's a sampling of the goods - Good Reads - that is!

Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate
Robert Steinberg
Be Inspired Here!

Fruit: Recipes for Lunch, Brunch, Desserts And More
Brian Glover
Order Today!

The Ultimate Frozen Dessert Book: A Complete Guide to Gelato, Sherbert, Granita, and Semmifreddo, Plus Frozen Cakes, Pies, Mousses, Chiffon Cakes, and ... of Ways to Customize Every Recipe to Your Own Taste
Bruce Weinstein & Mark Scarbrough
Order While It's Hot!

The Artful Cupcake: Baking & Decorating Delicious Indulgences
Marcianne Miller
Get Inspired Here!

American Tomato: The Complete Guide to Growing and Using Tomatoes
Robert Hendrickson
Order Here

Simply Salads: More than 100 Delicious Creative Recipes Made from Prepackaged Greens and a Few Easy-to-Find Ingredients
Jennifer Chandler
Get It Here Today

Celebrate!
Sheila Lukins
Celebrate Today!

The Lost Art of Towel Origami
Alison Jenkins
Get It Now!

The Beaded Garden: Creating Flowers with Beads and Thread
Diane Fitzgerald

Order Here!

Come Back Again! The selections change with the times!

There's Been a Big Mix-up!

2007-07-30T12:50:00.000-06:00

I love to mixy-matchy. A grrr-animals approach to living. If you will. If somethin' goes with somethin'. Then it's twice-as-nice if somethin' goes with somethin'-else, too! And, so it goes.

With that being said. Take the Mom's Day Brunch Chai Sugar Cookies recipe and the Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream recipe featured here recently. Smash them together. Literally. But, gently. And you get a delectable treat to please kids and adults alike!

Chai Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons Chai Spice Blend (recipe below)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coarse ground sugar, optional

Prepare Chai Spice Blend.

Mix flour, Chai Spice Blend, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually stir in flour mixture until well mixed.

Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Shape dough into 2-inch balls*. Roll in additional sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

*As these will be used for sandwiches, the cookie size and baking time has been increased from the original recipe.

Chai Spice Blend: Mix 2 teaspoons each ground cardamom, cinnamon and ground cloves with 1 teaspoon ground white pepper until well blended.

Easy Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream

1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Prepare your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.

In a medium bowl, mix the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Mix in the cream and vanilla. Chill for at least one hour.

Stir again right before using. Pour mixture into ice cream maker's freezer bowl. Churn and freeze following the directions for your ice cream maker. Freeze until ice cream is scoopable.

Making the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully-cooled and the ice cream is frozen - yet scoopable - you're ready for assembly.

Line a rimmed cookie sheet with waxed paper. If you wish to roll your sandwiches in chopped nuts or sprinkles, get these goodies ready by pouring onto small plates.

Working quickly and using a levered ice cream scoop, place one scoop of ice cream on the bottom of a cookie. (It's easiest to cradle the cookie in your hand.) Place another cookie on top of the ice cream, bottom side down. Gently squeeze - being careful not to break the cookie - until the ice cream just starts to smoosh to the rims of the cookies. Roll in nuts or sprinkles. Place on cookie sheet. Once all sandwiches are made, cover lightly with plastic wrap. Place tray in freezer and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. That is if you-and-yours don't plan on consuming on-the-spot!

PS. I keep a shaker jar of the Chai Spice Blend in my spice rack. A shake-shake on iced coffee with cream is yummy-yummy. It's also great added to blueberry muffin mixes!

See what else is cookin in this Urban Girl's Kitchen today!

Got A Leo the Lion in Your Den?

2007-07-27T11:40:00.000-06:00

First. Sorry for the blank post yesterday afternoon. Seems I had a Fire-Aim-Ready moment. Anyhoo...

If you have a Leo the Lion (born July 23 thru August 22) in your den, you know it! Dominant. Magnificent. Prideful. Powerful. Confident. Loving. Nurturing. Playful. Not to mention a fabulous flair for the dramatic. Yes. All traits of a typical Lion. Seriously! That's a lot to live up to. Makes one happy to be like-a-Libra-like-on-the-cusp-of-Virgo...

"Oh. How do I please such a magnanimous creature?" you ask anxiously. Well. I'll let you in on a little secret. In all their glory - Leo's softer-side is actually seeking a little love and approval from YOU. So. Whatever kind and thoughtful gesture you extend to a Leo the Lion, it will be much-loved and appreciated!

Nevertheless. Just to be sure. Appeal to Leo's magnificent qualities and dramatic flair with a birthday bouquet featuring tall, majestic, colorful Gladiolus. Latin for "sword", Gladiolus symbolize "strength of character", as also represented by the Roman gladiators. Hmmm...wonder how many gladiators have been Leo's....

Anyway. Here are a couple of beautiful birthday bouquets for the Leo you love:

Midnight Sun Gladiolus Like a dark sky strewn with bright bursts of starlight, the Midnight Sun Gladiolus bouquet unmistakably conveys the magic and mystery of a night under the stars.

Summer Gladiolus This Summer Gladiolus bouquet in hot pink and fiery orange is a perfect gift for someone with the unusual combination of gracefulness and outrageousness.

BTW. And this is a BIG BTW. It's now easier than ever to tell your friends about Urban Girl's Almanac! Go to the Almanac's front page. Click the "send to my friends" button. Enter up to 9 friends email addresses at one time. (Yes 9!) I've even written a quick note for you to send along. Or, you're welcome to write your own note, should you please. So share, share, share your fabulous find today!

Another BTW. Here's what cooking for next week. Literally!
Fresh flavor-Infused Simple Syrups with Recipe & Usage Ideas

Seasonal Recipes

August Calendar Update

There Has To Be More To It Than Stale Cake.

2007-07-25T15:00:00.000-06:00

At first thought. The tradition seems lovely. What better way to celebrate Year One together as husband and wife, than to lay into a slice of that wonderful vanilla-chiffon-laced-with-orange-curd-and-beautifully-iced-in-white-chocolate-ganache-cake that was so stressed over to be nothing less than PERFECT. A year ago.

So the tradition goes. As newlyweds pass from newlywed-dom (occurs abruptly on the first anniversary) to regular married-life, they are to partake in the tradition of playfully nibbling the top-tier of their precious wedding cake. Of course. This said wedding cake has been carefully-wrapped-and-always-and-completely-frozen for the past year. Uh huh. It has.

Fear not. There is more to celebrating the first year of wedded bliss than eating stale cake! It just so happens that Paper is the traditional gift for a first wedding anniversary. Perhaps, because there's a resemblance in taste. I'm just saying.

So whether you're celebrating the Big 01 yourselves, or know of someones who are - here are This Week's Fabulous Finds for celebrating wedding anniversary traditions in style.

1st ~ Paper

The art of the hand-written note would be alive-and-well if everyone had such beautiful paper as inspiration to find their innermost - or outermost - thoughts! Finestationary.com has a fabulous assortment of note cards, stationary, thank-you cards and even fun note pads from such fabulous designers as Kate Spade and Vera Wang.

Adult Calling Cards. How cool are these? Be the peeps with the calling cards.

Perhaps the newlywed-girl you know has a new moniker. Say. Mommy-to-be. Well finestationary.com has a stylishly modern note card to spread the wonderful news.

Find 100's of fabulous Note Cards, Flat Cards and Calling Cards at FineStationery.com

6th ~ Sweets

wine filled truffles Any true gourmand knows that wine and chocolate are two of the most rarefied, obsession-worthy commodities. And, naturally, the only thing better than either is the combination of both. These decadent chocolate truffles are filled with wine.

9th - Pottery

year of seeds Nothing inspires hope like the sight of spring's first seedlings, poking their small leaves through the earth. Our unique starter kit of easy-to-grow seeds will bring a mini garden and months of optimism to their windowsill. They simply add the included soil pellets, seeds and water to the pots, and watch the flowers come to life—one month at a time. Shop RedEnvelope's entire Anniversary collection here!

"That's all good and fine." you sigh. "But. I have a 13th wedding anniversary gift to deal with soon. What's lucky for 13? Oh, and a new friend is celebrating a birthday next month- flowers seem appropriate. And OMG. I can't be there but can't forget my favorite aunt and uncle's 25th anniversary. What's a busy-urban-girl to do?"

Silly girl. It's EZ! You'll always find the listings of traditional flowers and gifts for celebrating the most important birthdays and anniversaries at Urban Girl's Almanac.

Haven't been to the The Almanac's front page lately -- check out the brand new look, too!

Home-Made Vanilla Ice Cream with Ginger-kissed Blueberry Sauce

2007-07-20T17:35:00.000-06:00

Bring two summer favorites together and you'll have a weekend in which sweet, fond memories are made...

So. If your first thought was vodka-and-lemonade. Cool. Me too. But I have this wonderful Easy Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream with Ginger-kissed Blueberry Sauce to chat about instead. But, trust me. Fond memories will still be made; despite the lack of vodka or lemonade. In fact. Some of my very-fondest childhood memories are of those few special occasions Grandma brought out the ole wooden rock-salt-churner, added several thousand calories worth of cream, milk, sugar and just the right amount of vanilla. The creamy mixture churned, churned, churned to a perfect soft-serve texture. A quick removal of the beater and the cream-filled canister disappeared into the freezer abyss. Sometimes, we were lucky enough to be around when the churning was done and the beater was removed. Well. Let me tell you. It was nearly a fight to the finish to see whose turn it was to lick the beater clean. Dad probably would've won more if Grandma wasn't such a pushover for tears. Sob, sob, when will it ever be MY turn, Grandma? Sniff. Sniff.Anyway, all that aside. As it turned out, there was always plenty of ice cream to go around. Yep. We swung under the shade tree with our legs dangling from the thin, crunchy seat of the Lawn Glider - always testing just how high that baby would swing before it reached its very own tipping point - licking round-and-round the dripping vanilla ice cream cone. Life just about as good as it got! It was just us kids hanging out with the folks-and-thems. The flower garden's abundant aroma filled the air! An ever-present hot summer breeze would waft-away any Camel smoke lingering from the card game going on at the patio's only table. If someone got the energy up, a game of Horseshoes or Lawn Darts would start and usually finish with only minor injuries being reported. Grandpa and Uncle Bill would let go of a few seasoned swear words or swear phrases, whichever the occasion merited. There was little we kids could do to get in trouble. Bees were buzzing. Birds were chirping. Our mosquito bitten ankles and shoulders were West Nile free. Yep, good times!

So go-ahead. Get out the ice cream maker you bought last summer that you just HAD TO HAVE, but have yet to release from the confines of its pretty box. Big sigh. Gather the children (if you have them - otherwise don't), and get ready to make summertime memories to last a lifetime. Or, until at least next summer!

Easy Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream served straight up on a cone is always a hit with a crowd of any age. But, if you're having the grown-up-folks-and-them over for a summer evening gathering, treat them to this delightful dessert. After all. It is National Ice Cream Month and since blueberries are at their abundant blueberry-best right now - it's National Blueberry Month, too!

Easy Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream

1 cup whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Prepare your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.

In a medium bowl, mix the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Mix in the cream and vanilla. Chill for at least one hour. Stir again right before using.

Pour mixture into ice cream maker's freezer bowl. Churn and freeze following the directions for your ice cream maker. Freeze until ice cream is scoopable.

Ginger-Kissed Blueberry Sauce

1 pint fresh blueberries, washed and drained

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2/3 cups water

1 teaspoon lemon juice.

In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, ginger and water. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until mixture thickens and sauce becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Enjoy served warm or chilled as a topping for your Easy Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream.

Go now. See what else is cooking in this Urban Girl's Kitchen!

This Week's (Okay. Month's) Fabulous Finds!

2007-07-20T12:10:00.000-06:00

Okay. So it's been awhile since I brought you Fabulous Finds. But. With the discovery of Design Public, I think all will be forgiven!

According to Design Public themselves, their "mission is to sell fresh and inspiring design with a continued commitment to educate, inspire, nurture, and celebrate great new design." Take a looksy here and you'll agree, too - Mission accomplished!

Vitra Nelson Ball Clock, Multicolored

Why should you have to find out the time from the digital screen on your microwave? Do kids even learn how to tell time on a non-digital clock anymore? Ensure that they do with style. George Nelson's Ball Clock is an iconic example of mid-century modern design. The spirit of emerging modernism has been captured and lives on in this very functional and geometric work of art.

Hybrid-Home Limited Edition Prints was born out of a need for fun and stylish home accessories at reasonable prices. A friendly approach to modernism. It started as a hobby for designer Dora Drimalas while living in Portland where she made small pillows for her apartment. Since then, Dora has incorporated her love of modern interiors with her graphic sensibility to create timeless accessories that warm up a room. These limited edition silk screened prints are a great way to liven up any space. They are all hand signed and numbered by the artist.

Oma And Olaf Owl and Peter Pachyderm are show here.

Also choose from the likes of Bear Dog Color Wheel, Petri Dish, Bike Love or Butterfly Geometry.

Wallter Wall Art ~ Starburst wall applications
It's the coolest - you can arrange the pieces into all kinds of patterns and paint them different colors to match a wall color as texture or to pop out in contrast. No hammer and nails needed -- the pieces stick to the wall directly.

Choose from squares, circles, rectangles and teardrops, too!

Pair Wallter Fish wall applications with the Wallter small circles for an underwater (bubble) affect

Even if your idea of entertaining is hitting the local grocery store for some deli trays, snacks and bite-size desserts, a little attention-to-detail and your hiply-dressed table will be the hit of the evening. Simply cast-away those plastic trays, boxes and bags your food-findings-found-their-way-to-your-home-in and present them all-fresh-and-anew with any of the selections found in Design Public's Modern Tabletop section. Oh yeah. It's certainly worth a gander or two. Even for the uninspired cook. And yes. I said gander.

Modern Basics Bloom Coasters, made of bonded layers of Ultrasuede, are like a fun, funky, reusable garnish, with the added bonus of keeping your table surface safe from whatever you might be drinking. (And you can spot-clean them with a gentle detergent.) They come in packs of four, with two coasters each in two opposite color combinations.

notNeutral Links Dinnerware

The offerings from notNeutral are, as it says on the box, not neutral. Their bold, graphic look is excellent for anywhere you want to add some uncommon interest to your decorating, from the nursery to the living room to the dining room.

esby studio Lien 12" Bowl It pays to be an important person in Jim Doan's life. He'll produce gorgeous, high-quality, handcrafted items with or without you; but if he loves you he might name one after you. The Lien bowl is named after his mother, and if we wanted to get all serious on you, we could mention how its status as a great centerpiece for a table reflects the significance of the nurturing and providing mother, and how its hand-lathed warmth shows the obvious respect and affection Jim has for his mom. But we're not a serious bunch here. Instead, we'll just point out that the satin-coated (food-safe) maple wood looks elegant yet casual, and that the aluminum base, while sturdy, almost disappears, making it look like the bowl just floats invitingly above your table.

k studio pillows

Great design, green materials, and social responsibility need not be at odds with one another. In fact, at k studio they think these ideas are inseparable. They started this company with just this idea in mind. At Shelly and Mary Klein's growing studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they manage each product from start to finish. They start with fabric made from some of the most sustainable materials available such as hemp, organic cotton, and recycled wool. K studio designs are generated in house and are then embroidered, assembled, packaged, and shipped by their skilled team. Woodland Square Pillow and Rain Pillow shown here.

Feel like cryin' in your pillow? Well. They have one for this occasion, too!

And now. My personal faves. Whimsically modern mobiles...

Flensted Mobiles On the island of Funen in Denmark, Flensted Mobiles, a family business, designs and makes mobiles that cover all facets of life. Relax, sit and watch the slow motion of a beautifully designed mobile enliven your space. Hedgehog Family, Cats, and Shoal of Fish shown here. Also choose from Viking Ships, Penguins, Sea horses, Monkeys, Pandas and more!

What's the best part about finding a fabulous new place to shop? Of course. It's The Deal! And here it is: Enjoy Free Shipping on your $50 order at Design Public!

Wait! Discover more Fabulous Finds for fabulous urban living at Urban Girl's Almanac today! Look for fabulous new retailers including Dean & Deluca, Boca Java, Cooking.com, Hotel Chocolat and Wrapables.com.

Visit often - there's always something new happening on the Almanac's front page!

Seed-Spittin' Good

2007-07-11T10:05:00.000-06:00

Nothing screams "It's Summer" like watermelon. Okay. Perhaps, ice cream, baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and such stuff scream "Summer" too. But. Watermelon is definitely in the TOP TEN things you simply must have to make summer complete.

Now. You can go out and get yerself one of those schmancy-fancy seedless watermelons or you can go the way God intended and pick up a melon full of those wonderful black seeds. Seriously. Ever try to have a seed-spittin contest with those tiny white seedlets found in the "seedless" variety? If you boldly answer "Yes" to this question, it's most likely you've ended up with seeds spattered down your chin. Girl. Not a perty sight.

By now we should all know watermelon is an excellent source for getting H2O into our sun-parched bodies, but did you know watermelon has a lot of other goodies, too? Watermelon is loaded with lycopene - even more so than those scary tomatoes! FYI - lycopene is a fabulous antioxidant - especially for our men-folk. No surprise, watermelon is cholesterol free, nearly fat free, very low in sodium and is excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C!

So you're sold. But now, how do you pick a watermelon? According to the folks in the know, the National Watermelon Promotion Board, it's easy as 1-2-3!
1. Choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents.
2. The watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Think 92% water!
3. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy, yellow spot.

Of course watermelon is yummy served straight up in wedgies, but this fabulous fruit makes a fresh and tasty addition to summer drinks, salads and even entrees. Try these recipes for a refreshing twist to a summertime fave treat!

Watermelon Cherry Mojito

6 fresh mint sprigs, chopped
1/2 cup watermelon puree
2 teaspoons cherry syrup
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 ounces light rum
chilled sparkling water
2 sugar canes (optional)
2 lime wedges

Using a fork, press the mint with the back of a fork to coat the inside of the glass and leave it in the glass. Add the watermelon puree, cherry syrup, lime juice and rum. Stir well. Add ice and top-off the glasses with sparkling water or club soda. Add a sugar cane stirrer and lime wedge to each glass. Serves 2.

Watermelon Fontina Fans with Curried Crab Salad

2 hard boiled eggs, grated
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon curry blend or to taste
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
24 ounces fresh prepared crabmeat, patted dry
4 ounces washed baby arugula, patted dry
12 2-inch by 5-inch thin slices of seedless watermelon
8 2-inch by 5-inch thin slices of Fontina cheese

Combine the grated egg, mayonnaise, curry and relish in a bowl until blended. Fold in the crab. Arrange the arugula on 4 plates. On each plate create fans by alternating slices of watermelon and cheese, beginning and ending each fan with watermelon slices. Place a dollop of the crab mixture at the base of each fan. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Kung Pao Watermelon Shrimp

2 tablespoons peanut oil
6 garlic cloves, sliced
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 cup dry roasted and salted peanuts
1 cup prepared Kung Pao sauce
2 cups chopped watermelon

Heat the oil in a large heavy sauté pan or wok over high heat . Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds and then add the shrimp. Stir-fry until the shrimp begin to cook and plump up. Add the peanuts and sauté another 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low and add the sauce. Simmer just until shrimp are cooked. Remove from heat. Stir in watermelon and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Recipes and photo images courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Hot-Diggity-Dog

2007-07-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

As the sweltering heat of the dog-days-of-summer is bark-bark-barking at us, it only seems apropos (in an odd, creepy way) that we Americans consume more hot dogs this time of year than any other time. Over the July 4th holiday, we gobbled up 150 million dogs. And we're expected to eat 2 billion hot dogs this month alone!

Most of us prefer grilling our hot dogs. However, a good number of you admit to boiling and microwaving dogs, too! Now. How we eat these hot dogs, franks, sausages, brats, and such depends on what part of country we happen to be living in or visiting. Say, you're a New Yorker. (BTW. You eat more hot dogs than any other group in the country. Likely, because they're available on every street corner from Manhattan to Coney Island.) Anyway, New Yorkers typically devour their hot dogs with steamed onions and deli-style yellow mustard.

It's a wonder Chicagoans can taste the dog in their (im?)famous Chicago Hot Dog. Oh girl. Expect a hot dog here to be layered with yellow mustard, relish, chopped raw onion, peppers, tomato slices, a pickle slice and a dash of celery salt bundled up in a poppy seed bun. OMG. Tums-ta-tum-tum-TUMS!

A Kansas City hot dog will likely be topped with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun. Our Southern peeps are fixin' to serve up hot dogs with fresh veggies and cole slaw. On the dog. Not on the side. And, leave it to the Texans. Chili, cheese and jalapenos top their beef dogs. Yippee-yi-ay!

Speaking of beef dogs, Easterners prefer beef dogs, too. While Midwesterners are torn between pork and beef. No surprise here, Westerners consume more poultry dogs than any other region of the country. Now. Don't be a wiener. Take the...

Hot Dog Quiz

(1) At which landing spot do we consume the most hot dogs?
(a) LaGuardia Airport, New York (b) Los Angeles International Airport (c) O'Hare International Airport, Chicago

(2) Who prefers hot dogs and champagne together as a meal?
(a) Marlene Dietrich (b) George Foreman (c) Barbara Bush (d) Bono

(3) The Vatican's menu features hot dogs?

(a) True (b) False

(4) Which of the following musical artists or groups mentions "hot dog" in a song or song title? Choose all that all apply.

(a) Eminem (b) Elvis (c) The Rolling Stones (d) Bob Dylan (e) Led Zeppelin

(5) Which group was most likely to have consumed a hot dog in the past week?

(a) Girls (b) Boys

(6) This babe's early-claim-to-fame was "Miss Hot Dog Month" ?

(a) Lauren Bacall (b) Kim Basinger (c) Jayne Mansfield (d) Madonna

(7) Military posts around the world served up how many hot dogs to our brave soldiers?

(a) 2.4 million (b) 5 billion (c) 10 million (d) 1 billion

(8) A restaurant in Decatur, Georgia grosses-out-the-most-of-us by serving a deep-fried hot dog wrapped in ___________?

(a) Spam (b) Ground beef (c) Liverwurst (d) Collard greens

(9) Which group wins the hot dog topping count?

(a) Chicago (b) New York (c) Atlanta (d) Kansas City, MO

(10) The nation's second-mostest-favorite hot dog topping is _________?
(a) Mustard (b) Sauerkraut (c) Ketchup (d) Relish (e) Onions

So. Now you want to know how a hot dog is made. No you don't. Do know that the USDA requires hot dogs to be 85% meat and this meat must be muscle meat comparable to the ground meat in your supermarket. Hot dogs are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. For a healthier choice, look for low-sodium, low-fat or fat-free dogs. Kosher hot dogs are a great choice, too. These dogs typically contain higher quality ingredients. Plus. The Jewish peeps practice a kinder, gentler slaughtering and curing process; said to make happier, purer meats.

Answers to the Hot Dog Quiz

(1) c: It's Chicago's O'Hare. Yikes! Let's hope their not all Chicago-style. Hang on. It's going to be a burpy ride!

(2) a: That would be Marlene Dietrich, dahling.

(3) a: Duh. True, of course. And, if for no other reason...

(4) b, d, and e: Elvis's Loving You and Led Zeppelin's In Through The Out Door albums feature "Hot Dog" as a titled song. Bob Dylan mentions "hot dog" in his song Talkin' World War III Blues.

(5) b: Is for boys.

(6) c: Jayne Mansfield. Though Madonna would have made a funnier answer.

(7) a: Franks-a-lot brave soldiers!

(8) b: Is for barf. This Georgian gourmand wraps a hot dog in ground beef and deep fries it. Not gross enough for you? He then serves it on a bun topped with chili and bacon. Still not gross enough? Add the fried egg. There you go. Gross-on-a-bun.

(9) a: Chicagoans win again. Or, do they? Seriously.

(10) c: Ketchup comes in second. Mustard is the first-mostest-favorite hot dog topping.

How'd you do? Are you a Wiener (4 or fewer correct answers) or a Top Dog with 7 or more correct answers?

Photo images and factoids courtesy of the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.

Lemon Drop Martini

2007-06-25T15:05:00.000-06:00

Ever-popular amongst the phoo-phoo-drink-crowd for its zesty-lemonyness and sugar-encrusted-glass, the Lemon Drop Martini is perfectly refreshing for any of summer's celebrations. Or. Evenings. Whichever comes first. Really. You decide.

Lemon Drop Martini

6 ounces lemon-flavored vodka
1 ounce dry vermouth
sugar*, or finely crushed lemon drop candies
lemon wedge and lemon twists**

Chill two martini glasses. Moisten the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge; dip each glass rim in sugar. Set aside.

Combine vodka and vermouth in a martini mixer filled with ice. Shake well and pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with lemon twist.

*It's your choice, regular, coarse or superfine sugar will do.

** Making long, evenly-cut citrus twists is easiest using a tool called a peel stripper. However, you can also use a regular vegetable peeler. The strips will be wider, so you'll need to use a paring knife to cut into narrower strips. Enjoy!

This Week's Fabulous Finds -- Grilling Season

2007-06-22T11:30:00.000-06:00

Who better to trust for tips on grilling beef than the National Cattlemen's Beef Association? Seriously. These are the folks behind Beef. It's What's for Dinner. Yuh-huh urban cowgirl. These folks know beef and are darned proud of it!

So. If you're one of those outdoor-grilling-enthusiasts that tends to torture your carefully selected cut of beef rather than grill it to a juicy perfection, fear not. Our NCBA friends have created a guide just for us grillmasters-in-training. It includes grilling tips, food safety reminders and a very useful chart showing cooking times and temperatures for each cut of beef! Download this handy-dandy brochure right here - right now! Beef...Outdoors at the Grill. Come back though -- there's more....

In keeping with this week's herbaceous theme, here's a grilling recipe using fresh thyme to get you started down a savory path of cooking this summer...

Grilled Lemon-Thyme Beef Steaks

4 well-trimmed boneless beef top loin (strip) or ribeye steaks, cut 1 inch thick

3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons coarse grind black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Combine seasoning ingredients; press evenly onto beef steaks.

Place steaks on grid over medium heat. Grill top loin steaks, uncovered, 15 to 18 minutes (ribeye steaks 11 to 14 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

Of course, I had to find a few fabulous treats, too!

Stonewall Kitchen Grille Sauces Choose from the likes of Sesame Ginger Teriyaki, Citrus Teriyaki, Garlic Teriyaki, Roadhouse Steak Sauce, Honey Barbecue, Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce, Wasabi Ginger and Vidalia Onion Fig Sauce.

8 (5 oz.) Omaha Steaks Filet Mignons on sale now! Cut from the heart of the tenderloin, using the finest grain-fed, Midwestern beef, Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon is aged to peak flavor and tenderness, vacuum wrapped and "flash" frozen to lock in freshness.

SLT-Double Hamburger Mold $19.95
Easy-to-clean nonstick aluminum mold creates two perfectly shaped 4½" patties that are 1" thick. Interior features raised grill-like surface. Rosewood handle. Find this and more for summer grilling at Sur La Table.

See what else has been cookin' in Urban Girl's kitchen! Just scroll down the front page - past a bunch of other good stuff - for an index of fabulous recipes and so much more!

Recipe courtesy of the NCBA.

Culinary Herbaceousness

2007-06-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

Don't fret my urban friends, 'cuz it's not too late. It's not! You too can have the fresh culinary herb garden of your dreams*! After all, Summer is officially just getting started - give or take a few hours! Well. Assuming you're in the northern hemisphere. But, hey. If you're a southern hemisphere friend - you have lots of time to plan for next summer!

How do I know it's not too late? (1) Hmmm...just planted my culinary herb garden this week - illustrated by the sparse containers shown here:), (2) It's usually about this time of year by the time this busy-urban-girl gets around to it, (3) Come August, I have more fresh herbs than I know what to do with, (4) Herbs tend to grow like weeds and will provide many cuttings throughout a season, (5) Most culinary herbs will keep producing until first frost - many moons from now.

Retail garden centers will have a full array of common culinary herbs - many are also available in more than one variety. You'll likely find allium, basil, bay, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, scented geranium and thyme. Just to mention a few...

Be sure to peruse the annual and perennial flower sections for additional choices. Yep. Many plants loved for their lush foliage or lovely flowers also have herbaceous qualities. Look for the likes of chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, lemongrass, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, violet, and watercress in these sections.

Culinary herbs make wonderful container or windowbox gardens. However. You may notice that some herbs - though aromatic and yummy - not so pretty-looking standing on their very own. Complement these beauty-challenged herbies with flowers. This year I've chosen lobelia, portulaca, snapdragon and zinnia to balance out my container gardens. Pansies, nasturtiums, marigolds and violets are also excellent choices. And edible too!

"So. Just how does one go about choosing the right culinary herbs for one's garden?" You ask while looking around for your green thumb. Well. That depends one's intent and taste.

If you and yours tend to nosh on chickens and such fowl, plant cilantro, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, sage, or tarragon. Beef-eaters and the-other-white-meat-eaters should choose from marjoram, oregano, rosemary, or winter savory.

Seafish in your fare? Basil, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, rosemary, summer savory, tarragon, or thyme should be in your garden.

Titillate your favorite salads, veggies and fruits with fresh herbs. Choose from basil, cilantro, chives, dill, lavender, mint, parsley, summer savory, thyme, and watercress.

Desserts and beverages more your thing? You-sweet-thang-you. Lavender, lemon verbena, marigold, mint, nasturtium, pansy, scented geranium, and violets are simply a must-do!

So you're gonna do it! This year you're planting an herb garden! One to call your very own! Really? Okay then! Plan on meeting back here throughout the summer for tips on tending and harvesting your garden -- not to mention the fun stuff -- putting these herbaceous wonders to delicious use!

*Disclaimer: Assumes your dreams aren't tooooooo extraordinarily large - after all - it IS June!

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Home Brewed

2007-06-12T10:50:00.000-06:00

One of summer's simplest pleasures is hanging out under a big shade tree. On a day with the will to do little else than squeeze grass between your toes. All the while lazily sipping a thirst-quenching glass of robust iced tea with just a hint of fresh lemon or mint. You know life's really good when you find yourself drawing smiley faces in the dew forming on your glass. Ah...

Fresh-brewed tea in its purest form is one of nature's mostest-perfect beverages being it's all-natural, has zero calories and is loaded with flavonoids. "Just what" you ask, "are flavonoids and why should I care?" Well. It's not so simple, but here's the quick answer. Flavonoids are believed to have antioxidant properties, which neutralize the crazy free radicals running around in your body. Free radicals are the nasties that contribute to chronic diseases and damage lipids and your other precious genetic materials. There is good news! Studies indicate tea flavonoids likely "play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing lipid oxidation, reducing the instances of heart attacks and strokes, and may beneficially impact blood vessel function." Tea flavonoids "may also lower the risk of certain cancers" such as ovarian, lung, skin, digestive, and oral cancers. And. If that weren't enough! Tea contains a snazzy substance called L-theanine, which aids the immune system in fighting stinky infections, bacteria, viruses and some of the fungus amungus.

Gotta know more about these and other great benefits of drinking fresh, brewed tea? Check out the research compiled by The Tea Association of the USA .

Okay. You're convinced. Tea is better than soda. Well. That didn't take much. But. If you're like this urban girl, you let out a little gasp every time you see the price of bottled tea. So, soda wins out in the battle of the grocery dollar. What to do - what to do?

How about brew your own at home? Yes. We're still talking about iced tea. Sure, making sun tea is easy. (1) Fill sun tea jar with water. (2) Float tea bags on water. (3) Place jar in sun for several hours or days, whichever comes first. (4) Remove tea bags. (5) Chill. (6) Enjoy over ice.

However, for a full-bodied, flavorful tea, brewing is best! And. It's really quite easy, too! Here's how:

Home-Brewed Iced Tea

6 tea bags, or 6 teaspoons loose tea leaves
1 quart water*

Bring cold, fresh water to a full boil. Place tea bags (or loose tea ball) in a heatproof glass pitcher. Once the boiling water has stopped rolling, gently pour the water over tea bags.** Let steep 3 to 5 minutes; remove tea bags.

To keep the tea from becoming cloudy, allow it to chill at room temperature for at least an hour before refrigeration. Serve over ice. Sweeten and garnish as desired.

* For the freshest tasting tea, start with filtered or bottled water - especially if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains naturally smelly minerals and other such stuff.

** Green tea and the new white, "IT", tea, are more delicate in nature and require gentler steeping to keep the leaves from scorching. Allow the boiling water to cool at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before pouring over the tea bags or loose leaves. You may have to adjust the steeping time to accommodate your taste.

Have you shared Urban Girl's Almanac with the fabulously significant urban girls in your life? Girl. Pass it on today!

This Week's Fabulous Finds! Father's Day

2007-06-04T11:45:00.000-06:00

The really cool thing about the Father's Day gift-giving-season, which -hello- is now upon us, is that it's all about good-eatin' and havin-fun-in-the-sun! Seriously. Ties are so last century.

Dad will be ready for a little fire-and-ice action this summer and many summers to come with these fabulous Sur La Table Father's Day Gift Ideas - June 17th

Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker 2000
Our newest model features 550 watts of shaving and blending power and now you can select from four automatic pre-programmed drinks: margarita, mudslide, daiquiri and smoothie.

Portable Barbecue Pit
Wooden barbecue box is lined with aluminum and has wheels and handles for easy transport—ideal for entertaining at home or away. Roasts up to 100 pounds of meat in four hours or less—use it for pork, chicken, ribs, fish and more. Includes two stainless steel grills, charcoal pan and grid, large drip pan and marinating syringe.

Margaritaville® Tub-N-Tap Party Cooler

If you love to throw parties and host big get-togethers, you’ll find our new beverage center indispensable. Ice down up to 40 bottles or cans while keeping up to 4 liters of your favorite beverage on tap. Insulated, removable lid keeps drinks cold and flips open on two sides for easy access. Crafted of stainless steel and chrome with acrylic and bamboo accents.

Dad will not only be pleased with your exquisite taste, he'll be proud of your modest attempt at thriftiness, as well! RedEnvelope: Father's Day Free Shipping On Orders Over $75

Golfer's Cooler Bag
A cool drink on the back nine might sound like a mirage, but now it's as close as this cooler bag, which clips onto a golf bag or cart. Large interior section is insulated to keep drinks and snacks cold and holds up to a dozen cans. Side pockets hold golf balls, cell phone, keys and accessories. Drink holder on the side for bottled water and a pocket for tees and pencils. May be embroidered with up to three initials.

Eleni's Golf Cookies
Hit a hole-in-one with Dad this year. What better way to say "Happy Father's Day" than with a taste of his favorite pastime? Eleni's Bakery in Manhattan's Chelsea Market bakes their all-natural cookies from scratch and hand-decorates each into a delicious work of art. The collection of 10 colorful golf-themed cookies includes a golf cart, pin with scenic backdrop, gopher, pair of golf shoes and a golf bag that says "#1 Dad".

Weston Leather Cigar Case
Perfect for a night out with the guys or a weekend away, this well-appointed accessory has a practical side as well—it keeps their smokes from getting crushed in a suitcase or damaged in their pocket. Made of rich, mahogany-colored leather it holds up to three 7" cigars. Includes a stainless-steel cigar cutter and zinc alloy lighter. The lighter may be engraved with up to three initials

Three-initial Monogrammed Brander
Their steaks are a works of art—so why shouldn't they sign them? This welded-steel, Western-style brander arrives with a hanging barn-board holder branded with their initials. Handmade in USA.

Just so Dad has a little something-something special to grill on his big day, Omaha Steaks has packaged up a beefy deal for your gift-giving pleasure!

Father's Day Grill Pack
For the Dad who loves to grill, the Father's Day Grill Pack is the perfect gift! Included in this sizzling gift pack are our fork-tender Filet Mignons, lean and tasty Top Sirloins and juicy Omaha Steaks Burgers. So have Dad fire up the grill and give him a gift guaranteed to thrill . . . give him the Father's Day Grill Pack from Omaha Steaks.
Save up to 71% on gifts for Dad from Omaha Steaks. Plus get 2 Free Gifts with ever purchase.

For the Dad who has everything - most especially a fabulous girl like you - a treat from the Harry & David Father's Day collection is sure to please!

Royal Riviera® Pears & Dark Sweet Cherries
Plenty of sweet juice on the loose! We make it easy to send a cool and refreshing treat because we'll pick, pack and ship two sensational luxury fruits together for perfect arrival. Includes a box of our beautiful Dark Sweet Cherries and a box of fabulous Royal Riviera® Pears.

Father's Day Tower
A great way to jump-start his special day. It's tall, dark and handsome (just like Dad!) – and filled with the treats dads love most. Five delicious surprises: Sweet juicy Pears, rich Cheddar Cheese, Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, our Deluxe Nut Assortment and incredible Moose Munch® caramel popcorn.

Margarita Madness Gift
There are good margaritas, and there are great margaritas.
Making great margaritas is quick and easy with this festive new gift. Everything is ready to go, just add the tequila for an instant party. Includes our classic Margarita Mix, two margarita glasses, margarita salt to rim the glasses, a handy bar towel, margarita snack mix and jalapeño peanuts. It's all packed in a reusable square tray that's finished to look like fine hardwood.

Always the third Sunday in June, Father's Day celebrates this nation's 64.3 million daddios. At last count, that is!

For more fabulous Father's Day gift ideas, check out the Urban Girl's Almanac front page today!

Make Your Own Salt Water Taffy

2007-05-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

It's another "Who knew?" day. Mark your calendar, girls. Yep. May 23 is National Taffy Day. Yum-yum.

Every bit as all-American as apple pie, hot dogs and baseball, taffy has been a part of Americana since the late 1800's. According to the National Confectioner's Association, taffy was rumored to have first appeared at Midwestern US county fairs in the mid-to-late-1800's. However, a shopkeeper on the Atlantic City, NJ boardwalk is credited to have made the first salt water taffy in 1883. Very soon this new favorite treat of the boardwalk became a national treasure. By the 1920's, over 450 companies were either manufacturing or selling taffy!

Making and pulling taffy was once a tedious and hefty process. Skilled confectioners would hang up to 25 pounds of taffy on large hooks and allow gravity to take hold. Once the yummy-ball-of-goo stretches to 6 feet, the pulling process begins. "Is the pulling process just for show?" you ask with sudden curiosity. Well. No. But, it certainly didn't hurt sales as these boardwalk candy stores thrived on the theatrics-of-it-all. Pulling this sugary confection has a purpose, as this process incorporates air, which gives taffy it's unique texture. Apparently, if you're pulling properly, taffy will exude a few noises described as swishing, slapping and smacking. Eventually the taffy will become hard to pull meaning it's ready to cut and wrap.

Today modern technology allows for 1000 pieces of taffy to be produced every minute! Chew on that for awhile!

So. Now what? Here's an all-American idea for you and your-small-peeps this Memorial Day weekend -- especially if you're in a part of the country that invariably gets crummy weather this "kick-off to summer"! You - yes YOU - can have your very-own taffy-pull at home. How? Here's how:

Salt Water Taffy

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup white corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon glycerin*
1 teaspoon flavoring extract**
5-7 drops food coloring, if desired
2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for handling taffy

Cut wax paper into 3" squares. Set aside. Generously coat a rimmed cookie sheet with butter.

Mix sugar, water, corn syrup, salt, and glycerin in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook to a temperature of 258 F degrees.

Remove from heat and let stand for two to three minutes. Then add flavor extract, color and butter and stir vigorously until butter is melted. Pour into buttered cookie sheet. Cool until lukewarm taffy can be handled.

Begin to stretch and fold over and over until taffy turns paler in color, about 10 minutes. (Listen for the swishing, slapping and smacking!). You may find this easier to do with a small amount of butter or oil on your hands.

Roll taffy into long rope. Using a greased or buttered knife, cut into individual pieces and wrap in wax paper squares. Store taffy in an airtight container to avoid moisture as any moisture will allow the taffy to become sticky.

*Glycerin can be found in the cake decorating aisle of most craft/party stores. It can also be found in some pharmacies.

**Most grocery stores have a good variety of extracts, including peppermint, lemon, orange, vanilla, banana and raspberry. Go crazy and create your own flavor combos, too!

Recipe courtesy of the National Confectioners Association.

Love, love, love candy? Here's more!

Getting To Know Your Salad Sign!

2007-05-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

It seems the good folks at The Association of Dressings & Sauces had a little extra time and green stuff on their hands. And it's a good thing, too! Otherwise. How else would you, could you, possibly know what your own Salad Sign is - let alone (gasp) the Salad Signs of those nearest and dearest to your salad bowl.

Yes indeed. If you are a Drenched-In-Ranch-Mixer married to an Low-Fat-Italian-Topper and your offspring are miniature Bleu-Cheese-Dipping-Freaks, rest easier knowing that your very-different-salad-styles may simply be influenced by your very-different-zodiac-signs. And - whew - not by their unwitting desire to drive you crazy at the mere mention of butter lettuce.

So. What does your Salad Sign say about you and yours? Let's start with Gemini. Born May 21 thru June 20, Geminis like trying new things and aren't satisfied with any one flavor for long. When pressed to pick a favorite, these Twins will never choose just one!

The next time you dine with a Cancer the Crab, you'll likely be sharing the table with a classic Blue-Cheese-Dipper. Cancers (birthdays are June 21 thru July 22) order a side of Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping their already-dressed-salad. Hmmm...just guessing...anything within fork-stabbing-distance is fair game to the Dipper.

There's no such thing as an "untossed" salad for the Mixers in the crowd. Leos, Librans and Aquarians will toss, toss, toss until every-last-little-bit-of-dressing is evenly distributed over every-last-little-bit-of-salad! The differences between these Mixers are in their flavor choices. Aquarians, with birthdays between January 20 and February 18, believe you can't go wrong with a crowd-pleasing Ranch Dressing. Our Leo the Lion friends (July 23 thru August 22) are more adventuresome and split their time between Italian, Blue Cheese and French. You'd think the lettuce would wilt by the time Librans weigh their options among the myriad of flavors available. But. No. A nice Italian Dressing tends to win out with the group born from September 23 thru October 21. Given the choice, Pisceans (March 19 thru April 20) prefer Italian, too! Dressing, that is.

Virgo and Aries sun-sign peeps share some commonality. Both groups tend to be health-conscious and lean toward a Low-fat Vinaigrette or Italian Dressing. Aries, celebrating birthdays between March 21 and April 19, eat more salads than any other sign - grazing on greens up to 4 times per week! Virgos, August 23 to September 22, also prefer the ever-popular Ranch Dressing and tend to be Toppers - meaning they drizzle the dressing and eat from the top down, mixing very little along the way.

Scorpios and Taureans also love, love, love Ranch Dressing. But. For different reasons. Taureans, born April 20 thru May 20, just want to fit in a be team players. While Scorpios (October 23 thru November 21) love Ranch because of it's awesome Dipping capabilities!

Sagittarians stick out in the crowd for their rare love of French Dressing. Born between November 22 and December 21, these folks tend to be Toppers, too!

Last, but not at all least, Capricorns (December 22 thru January 19) love variety! Dine at a Capricorn's home and they're likely to have a salad dressing to suit each and every one of your tastes and styles - no matter what your Salad Sign.

Did you know May is National Salad Month? No! For more great info about the month of May and some fabulous salad recipes, visit the Urban Girl's Almanac home page now!

A Fresh Cut Flower Garden

2007-05-11T19:45:00.000-06:00

If you've been hanging with me for a while now, you just may recall January's posting, Flower Power ~ Harvard Style. To recap, the good profs at Harvard Medical School studied "us" and the effects of flowers on "us". It seems fresh cut flowers placed in our home and office environment makes us happy. With less anxiety. And more compassion. And hey, what's not good about that?

So. Back in January you're thinking, "Great stuff. But. It's January. Hello. It's not like I'm going to go out and stick a shovel in the frozen tundra that once was my backyard. You know".

Time passes. Memories fade. Backyards thaw. Before you know it. It happens. It's gardening season again. It's another opportunity to turn your little-slice-of-paradise into something productive. As long as you're gonna be out there pulling weeds - you just as well get some happy benefit from your garden, too!

With a little planning, mostly good soil, an effective watering system, fertilizer and a cooperative Mother Nature, you too can have a beautiful and thriving fresh cut flower garden that blooms well into Fall.

If you are planning your fresh cut flower garden mostly from scratch this year, don't expect too many flowers from perennials in the first year of planting*. An exception to this rule may be flowers that are late bloomers - Mums, Purple Cone Flowers and Asters. You can compensate the first year or so by simply planting additional annuals that produce lots of flowers, such as Zinnias, Daisies, Snapdragons and Cosmos.

Choose Dahlias for their brilliant color combinations and show-stopping beauty. Black-Eyed Susan arranged with Lavender are a lovely pairing. Marigolds provide rich shades of oranges, reds and yellows for your fresh cut flower arrangements. Keep in mind; however, the Marigold is a bit stinky. It's probably not the best choice for a kitchen table bouquet.

Your fresh cut flower garden should also include plants that provide greenery and texture. Coleus's deep red and bright green leaves are a stunning backdrop against the perfectly-white Shasta Daisy. Hosta leaves bring a simple elegance to large or small bouquets.

Add some herbs to serve double-duty in your fresh cut flower garden. Fast growers like Basil, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Thyme and Dill provide a nice textural variety. Plus, they'll produce plenty of opportunities for your culinary adventures.

* BTW. An easy-to-remember rule-of-green-thumb about perennials. The first year they SLEEP, the next year they CREEP, the third year they LEAP!

So just how do you keep your fresh cut flower garden blooming? Dead head. My friend. Dead head. If the plant's not trying desperately to keep that nearly-dead-bud alive, it's focusing it's happy energy on making new beautiful blooms for you. Seems fair enough.

Are you new to Urban Girl's Almanac? Girl! Go. Go now. See what you've been missing!

Fabulously Trendy Recipes To Treat A Fabulously Trendy Mom

2007-05-10T15:25:00.000-06:00

Show Mom your worldy-side with these fabulously trendy recipes! From salad-to-dessert, this fresh and light menu is bursting with flavor! It's simply perfect for Mom's Big Day or any dinner occasion that calls for a little extra flair!

Field Greens with Oranges, Strawberries and Chai Vinaigrette

Chai Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Chai Spice Blend (recipe below)
1/8 teaspoon salt

Salad:
6 ounces field greens or baby spinach, washed and spun dry
2 seedless oranges

2 cups strawberry halves
1/2 cup pecan pieces, lightly toasted

Whisk Vinaigrette ingredients in small bowl until well blended.

Segment the orange by first slicing off both ends with a sharp paring knife. Set the orange on one end; remove the rind by cutting in broad, downward strokes. Keep any rinds that still have a bit of orange pulp. Remove each segment by cutting through the membrane; remove any remaining white pith.

Toss all salad ingredients in large bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette; toss lightly.

Chai Spice Blend: Mix 2 teaspoons each McCormick Ground Cardamom, Saigon Cinnamon and Ground Cloves with 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground White Pepper until well blended.

Note: Use leftover Chai Spice Blend to prepare Chai Sugar Cookies

Ginger-Pistachio Encrusted Chicken with Tangerine Sauce

3/4 cup shelled salted pistachio nuts
1/4 cup McCormick Crystallized Ginger
1/3 cup tangerine or orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg white, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place pistachio nuts and crystallized ginger in bowl of food processor; process until mixture is chopped.

Stir tangerine juice, honey and soy sauce in small bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Place chicken in foil-lined shallow baking pan. Brush with egg white. Coat evenly with ginger-pistachio mixture.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Slice chicken and serve with tangerine sauce.

Serve this sweet and salty chicken entree with fresh steamed green beans or sugar snap peas seasoned lightly with butter, salt and pepper.

Fresh Berries in Peppered Balsamic with Vanilla Mascarpone

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Black Peppercorns, crushed
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese*
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
4 cups mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries

Mix vinegar, 1 tablespoon of the sugar and crushed peppercorns in medium saucepan on medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil and boil about 5 minutes until syrup is reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Transfer to small bowl; cover. Cool completely.

Mix mascarpone cheese, cream, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed. Beat on medium-high speed until thick and soft peaks form. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Meanwhile, mix berries and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl. Add cooled balsamic mixture; toss gently to coat well. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Divide berry mixture among 6 serving bowls. Spoon mascarpone topping over berries to serve.

*Cream cheese or ricotta cheese can be substituted if mascarpone cheese is not available.

Chai Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons Chai Spice Blend (above)
2 teaspoons McCormick Cream of Tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

Mix flour, Chai Spice Blend, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; set aside.

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually stir in flour mixture until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in additional sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Intrigued by these fabulously trendy flavor pairings? Go to Spice, Spice, Baby for more about McCormick's 2007 Flavor Forecast.

See what else is happenin' in this Urban Girl's Kitchen here!

Recipes and photo images courtesy of McCormick & Co., Inc.

This Week's Fabulous Finds! Mother's Day

2007-05-07T14:40:00.000-06:00

Mom, Ama, Mère, Mutter, Madre, Moeder, Makuahine, Abatyse, Mama, Maji, Äiti, Máthair, Màna, Ma, Madr, Matka, Okaasan, Mat', Muter, Mamma, Anne, Mam, Mummy.

Just what do all of these strangely-familiar words have in common? Here's a hint or two. You have one. There are well over 81 million of them running around in the US alone. Still too many of them drive mini-vans. No matter how old you get, they can make you feel young again (like, say eight). Yes, indeed. Just a few worldly names for the globally-revered Mommy!

Unless you're fresh from a coma, you gotta know Mom's Big Day is just around the corner. Like, next Sunday. Six days from today. Like, it's time to do something. Now. Today. Click before it's too late. Don't be destined for the grocery store flower selection. Again.

12 Reasons I Love Mom Chocolates Although we wish we could fit all of your paste-eating, tantrum-throwing, death-defying antics into a box, we couldn't find one big enough. So think of these as the top 12 reasons to love Mom. Beautiful daisy-print matchbox-style boxes are printed with unique odes with reasons which include "you like to listen as much as I like to talk" to "you said I could marry my favorite rock star." Exclusively from RedEnvelope.

Mother's Day Breakfast Basket Breakfast in bed is a well-earned Mother's Day tradition. Our intricately woven basket contains everything you'll need to set Mom up with a morning meal fit for a queen. Afterwards, she can use the beautiful basket for gardening tools or trips to the farmer's market. The basket arrives lined with a cream-colored cotton drawstring bag containing an array of gourmet-breakfast requisites. Exclusively from RedEnvelope. Order Today & Receive Mother's Day Free Shipping Upgrade on orders over $75

Jewel Box Rose Bouquet
Happy together: Blushing blooms, fine sweets, and a luxurious keepsake. She'll adore this pair of pretty miniature rosebushes, nested inside our hand beaded, textured fabric box with a makeup mirror inside the lid. We include three exclusive gift boxes: Chocolate Truffles, Holland Mints™ and Bing Cherry Chocolates.

Rose Tote with Chocolate Truffles
Really special: Hot pink blooms in a stylish carrier. We nestle a pair of miniature roses — in the hottest, most smoldering pink — inside this lined straw tote, decorated with a raffia bloom. As soon as weather permits, the roses can go out into the garden, and you can tote your lunch to the office.
FREE Express Upgrade on Select Mother’s Day Gifts from Harry & David!

Mother's Day Gifts under $50 at MARTHASTEWARTFLOWERS.COM
Only the most beautiful, long-lasting blooms are chosen for our Mother’s Day Bouquet. These impressive lilies in citrus hues will continue to blossom for weeks, and the bear grass gives the bouquet a stylish silhouette.

Purple Hyacinth Bouquet. Martha specially selected this incredible violet variety. If you like fragrant flowers, you will find hyacinths absolutely intoxicating. Big and beautiful, each flower is composed of many small florets. With proper conditioning, your hyacinths should last at least one week. The florets open gradually to make a full bloom.

White Hydrangea Plant. Luxuriant clusters of snowy white blooms make the hydrangea a showy addition to a table or mantel. If desired, next year it can be planted outdoors for many seasons of enjoyment. This hydrangea plant bears at least 3 stalks of flower heads, and is carefully packed and shipped in a 6” terra-cotta pot, ready to bloom upon arrival.

For more fabulous Mother's Day gift ideas, check out the Urban Girl's Almanac front page now!

Mothers Around the World
Mom (English), Ama (Basque), Mère (French), Mutter (German), Madre (Spanish-Norwegian), Moeder (Dutch - Afrikaans), Makuahine (Hawaiian), Abatyse (Czech), Mama (Polish - Romanian), Maji (Hindi), Äiti (Finnish), Máthair (Irish), Màna (Greek), Ma (Afrikaans), Madr (Persian), Matka (Polish), Okaasan (Japanese), Mat' (Russian), Muter (Yiddish), Mamma (Italian), Anne (Turkish), Mam (Welsh), Mummy (British English).

You Can Still Be The Hero.

2007-04-24T10:35:00.000-06:00

It truly is one of those better-late-than-never-moments. Whatever you do. Do not forget to acknowledge the administrative-type-person that keeps your busy-business-life in order day-in-and-day-out.

So. You're not bitchcake like Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada". But. You have been known to temporarily forget your trusted Admin's name and simply resorted to calling him/her by their other given-name, Hey - um. Then. There was last year. You wrote a heart-warming "Happy Birthday" note addressed to your Admin, on the greeting card being circulated around the office. Only to find out later. The card was actually in celebration of Administrative Professionals Day. Oops. Let's say it together, "My bad."

Don't panic. It's only Tuesday. You can still be the hero. Click here now. FTD.COM Flowers & Gifts - Order Now!

See what else is happening in April's edition of Urban Girl's Almanac.

The Sweet Root's Special Day!

2007-04-12T15:30:00.000-06:00

It's one of those "Who knew?" days. Yes indeed. It's National Licorice Day. "Says who?" you say rhetorically. Says the folks at Licorice International. They've declared it. So it is. April 12 is the day that's been set aside - nationally, mind you - to celebrate black licorice in all its historical, medicinal and confectionery glory. Before you head for the nearest vending machine or c-store - so YOU TOO can celebrate National Licorice Day - do let me tell you a little bit about this herbal confection.

Yes, licorice extract comes from the botanical herb, Glycyrrhiza, which is Greek for Sweet Root. Because of its sweetness, Licorice is used as a flavoring in food, alcohol and tobacco. Throughout time licorice has been used in confections and for medicinal purposes. It's believed King Tut and His-Tut-Peeps used licorice pharmaceutically. In fact. The King had his tomb stuffed with enough licorice to last him many lifetimes. The 14th century Europeans began using licorice to calm coughs and treat colds and bronchitis. Licorice is still used in many European cough medicines today. More recent research indicates licorice may relieve pain of certain types of ulcers and is good for the adrenal glands. Of course, always consult a physician before using licorice ropes to self-medicate.

We can thank our 17th century Dutch friends for introducing their version of licorice candy to the rest of the world. Dutch still love this national treasure - each Dutch peep enjoys about 5 pounds every year!

Licorice candy is presented in many forms. There's the ever-popular licorice rope. Short, long, skinny or twisted. There's the cute molded licorice. Bunnies, scotties, fishes, bees and such. There's the oblong-candy-coated-kind. Some are dipped in colorful non-pariels, while others are like stacked-and-cut like tiny licorice tea sandwiches.

A good quality black licorice will have a depth of flavor not typically found in the vending-machine-variety. While most of us enjoy noshing on red-licorice-in-just-about-any-form, not everyone is up to the more pungent taste of black licorice. I must confess. I'm not one yet who has acquired a taste for this worldly treat. How about you?

What else is going on in April? Go to Urban Girl's Almanac to find out!

The Classic Cosmopolitan Martini

2007-04-11T12:10:00.000-06:00

It only seems fitting that a blog-magazine with a catchy title like Urban Girl's Almanac, that just so happens to have a Martini of the Month series, would feature such a classic as the Cosmopolitan Martini. Ahem. Cosmo.

Cosmopolitan Martini

4 ounces Citron Vodka
2 ounces triple sec
2 ounces cranberry juice
1 ounce lime juice, fresh-squeezed
ice

Directions: Chill 2 martini glasses.

Working quickly, gently shake all ingredients. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with citrus.

For more Martini of the Month features and to see what else is cookin' in this Urban Girl's Kitchen, go to the Urban Girl's Almanac front page here! Check out the sidebar for lots of fun information about April's special days and celebrations, too!

The Easter Egg Aftermash

2007-04-09T11:55:00.000-06:00

Now what?
You've boiled them. You've colored them using an egg-dye kit that hasn't evolved into something-less-messy-whatsoever in the last forty years or so. You've stickered them. You've added paper bunny ears to them. You've broken a few along the way. They've been hidden. Most of them have been found in a food-safety-first-time-frame. You've cracked open a few and eaten them out-of-hand smothered with salt and pepper. You have a few dozen more to go. Now what?

Well, it's no wonder the week after Easter is dubbed National Egg Salad Week. But first - since we're talking eggs here - we must consider food safety. According to the Amercian Egg Board, eggs - cooked or uncooked - should not be out of refrigeration for more than two hours. Once an egg is hard-boiled it can be stored, shelled or unshelled, in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

With that out of the way, enjoy these yummy recipes this week! As an added bonus, eggs are virtually carb-less and are great sources for protein and Vitamin D!

Best-Ever Egg Salad Sandwiches

12 bacon slices
8 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
12 slices whole grain sandwich bread, toasted

12 red leaf lettuce leaves

Directions: Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices flat on the baking sheet so they do not overlap. Bake 10-12 minutes; remove from oven and turn each slice over. Bake additional 3-5 minutes until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels. Cool slightly and cut bacon slices crosswise in half.

Combine chopped eggs, celery, and olives in bowl. Mix in 1/4 cup mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

Place toast slices on work surface; spread lightly with remaining mayonnaise. Divide egg salad among 6 toast slices. Place 4 bacon pieces, then 2 lettuce leaves atop egg salad on each. Cover with remaining toast slices, mayonnaise side down. Cut sandwiches diagonally in half. Makes 6 servings.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit April 2002. Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Deviled Egg Salad

1 recipe Dill Vinaigrette

4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

7 hard-cooked eggs
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill weed,chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
5 dashes hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 cups torn Boston or Bibb lettuce
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium red sweet pepper, chopped
3 green onions, sliced

Dill Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh dill weed, chopped

2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Using a glass screw-top jar combine all ingredients. Cover and shake well.

Deviled Egg Salad directions: Prepare bacon as directed in Best-Ever Egg Salad Sandwiches recipe. Prepare Dill Vinaigrette.

On a platter arrange lettuce, tomatoes, red pepper, bacon and green onions. Chill until ready to use.

Halve hard-cooked eggs lengthwise and place yolks in a small bowl. Chill egg white halves until ready to use.

Mash yolks with fork and stir in mayonnaise, dill weed, garlic, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Using a small-medium cookie dough scoop fill egg white halves with yolk mixture.

Arrange eggs on greens. Drizzle with Dill Vinaigrette.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Recipe adapted from BHG.com. Photo courtesy of BHG.com

Are you new to Urban Girl's Almanac? See What You've Been Missing Now!

Are You An "Ears First" of "Feet First" Person?

2007-04-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

Hippity-hop to the candy shoppe, Easter's on its way. Okay - it's not an original thought - just a childhood jingle that won't escape my head. Apparently, many of you hippity-hop to the candy shoppe - or simply wander over to your grocer's seasonal aisle. The amount of Easter candy purchased, and presumably consumed, in the US alone, is really quite hare-raising! 16,000,000 jelly beans. 90,000,000 chocolate bunnies. An estimated 1,825,000,000 marshmallow peeps. Not to mention, chocolate malt eggs and numerous other goodies. Look out. A Monday-morning-sugar-low is heading your way.

Easter Sunday, April 8th this year, is one of the most joyous Christian holidays celebrated worldwide. It's believed the word Easter is a variation of Eostre, the pre-Christian European pagan Goddess of Spring. Festivals honoring Eostre celebrated the arrival of Spring and its symbolic meaning for rebirth and renewal.

Easter traditions are-a-plenty and most have little to do with our sugary addictions. Take the Easter Lily for example. Long a symbol for purity, the Bible refers to the Lily as a sign of beauty and goodness. The bloom also suggests it's the perfect flower for trumpeting in Spring!

Hot-Cross Buns are an aBUNdant Easter-time treat. Sorry. These nutmeg-scented, currant-filled yeast rolls are eaten throughout Lent, as well. A cross is cut into each dough bun before baking. Once done, a cross is piped in icing on top of each bun, all signifying the crucifixion.

The Easter tradition that confuses the crap out of me is the whole Bunny-Egg Theory. Specifically, from a very young age, we were led to believe the Easter bunny LAYS the eggs. He then merrily hid these brightly-colored eggs around the everyone's yards and parks. He. He hid the eggs he laid.

Okay. I get the part about the egg being a long-held symbol for fertility and the beginning-of-life. I mean. Duh. I get that the egg is considered one of nature's most perfect containers. Makes sense. The rabbit/hare is known for its eagerness and ability to reproduce. A good symbol for fertility. With some thought, I get that German pagans believed a hare accompanied, Ostara, the German version of a Spring Goddess. Having spent time on a farm from a very young age, I get that chickens and such species typically lay hard-shell eggs. I get that if something is warm and fuzzy on the outside, its offspring is also warm and fuzzy. And, ultimately it came from the girl animal. Therefore. I do not get how or why the he-bunny-lays-the-egg. Anyone? Anyone?

Decorating and giving eggs as gifts during Springtime festivals began with the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Persians and Chinese. Brightly-colored eggs can also be found in paintings and writings from the European Middle Ages.

Much time passed before our much-loved Easter tradition came about. Solid, hollow, or creme-filled. It doesn't much matter. Chocolate eggs and bunnies are now an Easter must! Which brings me to the question in this article's title.

Are you an "ears first" or "feet first" person? Well. If you're like 76% of us, you eat the chocolate bunny ears first!

Candy facts courtesy of NCA.

A Personal Invitation For You!

2007-04-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

Okay. It's time to get serious.

Seriously. The Boise Women's & Children's Alliance is looking for a few good girls - and guys - to help with their annual fundraising efforts. And. It just so happens that I know a few good peeps out there. Hello-hello. It's you. It's you!

"So, just who and what is this Women's & Children's Alliance", you ask while starting to feel REALLY generous. In short, The WCA provides protection and services to women and children escaping violent circumstances and environments. Since 1980, the WCA has evolved into a comprehensive program providing safe shelter, education, opportunity and hope to women and children victimized by domestic and sexual violence.

So, just where will your hard-earned money go? The Women's & Children's Alliance currently operates and offers:
Two (2) secure shelter sites (housing for up to 90-120 days)
Two (2) transitional homes
Two (2) 24-hour domestic violence and/or rape crisis hotlines
Individual counseling
Children’s counseling
Victim support groups
Case management
Rape victim advocacy
Court advocacy (for individuals experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence)
Child and adolescent outreach

Every year. Hundreds of women and children seek shelter and support from Boise's WCA. Every year.

So. You DO want to learn more about the WCA! You're in luck! The WCA is hosting their annual fundraising event, "Healing Begins With Hope" Benefit Breakfast. It's Tuesday, May 8, at the Boise Centre on the Grove. A complementary continental breakfast will be provided prior to the morning's presentation. Keep in mind this IS a fundraising event and your generosity will be greatly appreciated. Also keep in mind that support can come in many forms. Perhaps, you have a little extra time to spare or have a few special skills to offer. Perhaps. Just perhaps, you have great ideas to share. Perhaps. Your support simply comes from the knowledge you'll gain by attending the event. Knowledge that can be shared someday for someone who needs it. Perhaps.

Please join me at the Urban Girl's table for the "Healing Begins With Hope" Benefit Breakfast. It's EZ! Simply respond to me by email and I'll reserve a seat just for you!

Should you want to learn more about the WCA, they offer a presentation, "If these walls could talk..." The presentation is held at the WCA office at 720 W. Washington, Boise, 83702. The schedule for April is as follows:

Thursday, April 5th, 12 noon - 1 pm

Tuesday, April 17th, 7:30 am - 8:30 am

Thursday, April 19th, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tuesday, April 24th, 12 noon - 1 pm

Many, many thanks to my Urban Girl friends! I hope to see you there!

Are you new to Urban Girl's Almanac? Girl! You go now!

This Week's Fabulous Finds! Hippity-Hop-Hop-Hop

2007-03-30T11:20:00.000-06:00

Hippity-hop-hop-hop it's time to Easter shop-shop-shop! I just love a good rhyme - don't you?

Chocolate Egg + Chick
While you don't want to count your chickens before they hatch, you can count on the chicken at the center of this egg being sweet. RedEnvelope's speckled milk-chocolate egg contains a cinnamon-almond milk-chocolate chick truffle at its center. This unique and festive spring treat comes courtesy of Oregon's Moonstruck Chocolate Company, which pours and finishes its decadent chocolate confections by hand.

Spring Egg Candies
The ultimate spring symbol—the egg—now has an ultra-creamy incarnation. A hint of mint makes these white-chocolate eggs an extra-special addition to their Easter basket or holiday table. Eighteen pastel-colored eggs are first poured and finished by hand by Northern California's Charlotte's Confections, which uses only the finest ingredients in their original recipes. And they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Easter Truffles
The ultimate indulgence, chocolate has become a favorite Easter treat. Our festive spring-themed truffles are a celebratory addition to their Easter basket or holiday table. Nine truffles include three of each variety—extra bittersweet with a yellow flower; toffee with an orange flower; and milk-chocolate ganache with spring flowers. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.

Eleni's Easter Cookies

The Easter holiday is full of sweet traditions, and these delicious and beautifully detailed cookies will add to the sweetness and the fun. They are made by Eleni's Bakery in Manhattan's Chelsea Market, which uses only the finest all-natural ingredients in their classic hand-made sugar cookies. Exclusively from RedEnvelope. Twenty-one cookies include six Easter eggs; six carrots; and nine bunnies in various sizes, including one big bunny with spring overalls and an Easter basket.

Easter Snack Attack

Overflowing with goodies to please kids and grownups alike, this basket includes old standbys, plus an abundance of other delights. The sweets are dolled up for Easter in a green Shaker-style presentation box tied with a hot-pink satin ribbon. Includes jellybeans, milk-chocolate eggs, raspberry caramel corn, orange cream sorbets, petite fruits, chocolate disks wrapped in colored foil, peach candy slices, two colorful foil-wrapped eggs, and shortbread cookies.

Easter Cookie Decorating Kit

Decorating cookies is a festive tradition that shouldn't be reserved only for Christmas. With our all-inclusive cookie kit they can turn out beautiful and delicious Easter cookies (and the mess will be kept to a minimum). Exclusively from RedEnvelope. Each kit contains: ceramic egg cookie jar, six 1.4 oz Easter-egg sugar cookies, white frosting with pastry bag, three decorating frosting pens in green, pink and purple
four containers of sprinkles in yellow, green, classic, and colorful Easter shapes.

For all of these Easter treats and much more, go to RedEnvelope Easter Gifts now!

Celebrate Spring with Harry and David or visit the Urban Girl's Almanac home page for more eggstraordinarily fabulous Easter gift ideas!