Confession: Though Little Rhino is currently working her way through two grad classes while working full-time, she often thinks of quitting her program and running FAR away.
Thankfully, just as the Little Rhino started losing her charge, Spring Break came along. Spring Break was not that relaxing or carefree with a 40 hour work week, taxes to do, and wrangling an obstinate cat to the vet. Still, my SmarTrip appreciated the break on Monday. I appreciated a little less homework (stupid knowledge management paper), and everyone appreciated
some Little Rhino cookery.On St. Patrick's Day A.K.A. Diane my awesome co-worker's birthday, I made an old favorite of mine. Bailey's Irish Cream Brownies with green decorating sugar. I used to make them for a Guinness-loving ex who called me Boss (true story). He gladly gobbled them up whenever I made them and so did the birthday girl and my work crew. I like these people.
So, yeah, I love making brownies just about as much as I love making deviled eggs. However, with a no-class Monday, I wanted to make something MEATY!!! So, that Monday I pulled out my dutch oven, bought a butt-load of beef short ribs and cooked them up low and slow Asian-style (courtesy of Emeril Lagasse). I also made some pineapple orange banana cupcakes with orange cream cheese frosting because a super-cupcake loving friend of mine failed to make it to my birthday party due to physical incapacitation. Also, what's not to love about fruity cupcakes with cream cheese frosting?!
Thankfully, the cupcake lover and her husband (a first time Little Rhino dinner guest!!) came healthy and hungry this time. We all drank lots of wine (some of us more than others *rosy cheeked Rhino*), ate lots of bread, ribs, rice, and cupcakes, and laughed A LOT. Wonderful night...not as wonderful a morning for Miss Rhino. No, not hungover just acid reflux/heartburn. Man, I'm getting long in the horn.
Honestly, I could have ended my epic cooking/baking fest there except that the Penn Quarter Farmer's Market started up again on March 24th. As usual, I went gaga for apples and bought four huge Mutsus and another three moderately overweight Braeburns. After buying such crisp and fresh apples, I had no choice but to make a caramel apple pie (I swapped a toffee topping for a lattice one, no need for sugar overkill) for my Dad's and my joint birthday celebration. The family ruled it a success!! We divided the pie at the end the night. The next day, I headed back to class not relaxed, not rested, but completely cooking satisfied.....for now.
mmmmmmmmm PIE! never been to that farmers market, might have to check it out. the one closest to us on columbia pike is still a bit pathetic this time of year, all you can get is soap and pickles (well and meat and eggs and bread. still, no produce at all!).
ReplyDeletewe had a great time, thanks again for the honorary cupcakes!! :) :)
Penn Quarter is still ramping up its selecton too. However, the Dolcezza sorbet samples never disappoint ( :
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