rubistudios.com

Okay, My final critique is three days away and I am stitching my fingers to the bone, alternately outside in the sun and in front of old Charmed episodes. (the power of three will set you free). This is my first piece, still in progress. I am not sure if I want to make it represent a three dimensional object, or keep it flat. Any suggestions…

These seem to be everyone’s favorite cookies. If I can ever get finished with enough art work to get to the store and buy some butter, i will make a quadruple batch of these guys because I have so much sage in my garden right now.

Preheat oven to 350 degree.

lightly greased cookie sheets

In a bowl, mix until creamy

• 1 stick of butter (4 oz)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg

Next, add in order, and keep stirring

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped fine-ish
• 2 Tablespoons chopped FRESH sage
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

drop in rounded teaspoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Cook for ten minutes.

Have you ever really looked at the packaging on the food you buy? It says some pretty crazy stuff. I am looking at those phrases right now, this work is far from resolved, I welcome any feedback. I worked quickly to put them together for my review last week (which I passed with flying colors–yay!)

.

This is our magical mystery citrus. The label fell off at the nursery, so they were not exactly sure what it will be, other than a beautiful citrus tree. I love the not knowing, the wondering and the watching. It seems like magic to me that they keep getting bigger. I think this picture makes them look way bigger than they are (each about the size of a pearl onion).

This is the rest of our little garden that I am loving so much. From top left, clockwise, mint marigold, which smells divine; greenbeans, three tomatos, lemongrass; japanese eggplant; sage, parsley and oregano; citronella, and raspberry. What isn’t in the pic is some thai basil from last year I am trying to bring back to life because I can’t find it anywhere else.

I call her “Gain Girl.” According to one of her labels, she will stay fresh for weeks. She also has get up and go.

Go gain girl, go!

Yummy with fresh veggies or on fish or chicken or crackers. This is pretty easy to make, I usually make a double batch, it keeps at least a week in the fridge
Toast in a pan until fragrant (not very long), let cool and grind (i use a coffee grinder dedicated to spices).

• 1 teaspoon Cumin seed
• 1 Tablespoon coriander seed

Add to the following in a processor or blender:

• 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Add:

• 2 Tablespoons madiera (or any sherry)
• 2 teaspoon sherry vinegar ((don’t skimp and use regular vinegar)
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

finally, in a thin stream add:

• up to 1/2 cup almond oil (feel fress to use less, based on the consistency you are after)

Refrigerate

Big, soft, fluffy and inviting, nothing like a bottle of pills or some cigarettes. Just what you need to make you feel better!