Domestic Thoughts on this glorious Monday

Here I am Monday morning. Loving life. I'm taking a little break from work, drinking my favorite drink and eating some dried plums...aka prunes. And I thought I'd share some thoughts.


I keep track of a lot of "I want to bake this or cook that or that looks perfect for my dream home" in my Google reader and other online places. Here are the latest:

Martha Stewart's Chocolate-Black Pepper Cookies - I've been eying these in her cookbook and they just popped up this morning as the cookie of the day. I'm officially interested in any dessert that involves black pepper.

One of my "culinary goals" for 2010 involves making my own cheese. I'll try one of these recipes: Doughmesstic's "Making Mozzarella at Home" or What's Gaby Cooking? "How to make Homemade Ricotta."

Speaking of my 2010 Culinary Goals. I have yet to post them. Do know that they are somewhere in my church bag. ;) Listing your goals is a great "keep quiet and keep awake" activity for 9 am sacrament meeting...just saying. A sneak peak...I'll give you three more of them:

1. Don't be afraid of meat.
2. Make my own chicken stock
3. Make mazo ball soup

Speaking of chicken stock. Do any of you have a favorite recipe? I know...I know...it's simple: chicken parts, carrots, onions, celery and a bouquet of herbs and black peppercorns. BUT...I'm looking at four different recipes (Julia Child's, Martha Stewart's, Ina Gartne's and America's Test Kitchens) and can't decide. HELP! I'm making it this Saturday so don't hesitate to comment.

It's also a great week in the Olsen household! Adam and I are doing our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner. We started this back when we were first engaged and it's been going strong for 5 years now! Adam is all about the corned beef and cabbage. I'll be in charge of the "3 Ds" -- drinks, dessert and decorations. :)

Here's some posts and links to dishes and treats we've made in the past.
Irish Chocolate Bread Pudding
Happy St. Patrick's Day {belated} - last year's dishes
St. Patty's Cupcake Bites
Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs and Easy Hollandaise Sauce
Herbed Root Vegetables
Inspiration: Greenery

I'm really struggling to with what I'd like to make for dessert. See, I'm a wee bit sick of sugar. Hum? You didn't think that was possible for me did you? But since I've been traveling so much and eating way too many cupcakes, I figure it's time for a break. I hope to go on some sort of "cupcake fast" (I say this realizing I'll get the cupcake bug come this weekend...they are my vice!)

I want to make something light. I don't really care if it's a traditional Irish dessert. I'm cool with something simply green. I'd love to do a lime dish, I'm also thinking about mint. What do you think? I've thought about these desserts:

Pistachio Ice Cream
Key Lime Pie
Green Jello
Green Velvet Cupcakes
Lime Cupcakes with Lime Curd
Lime and Coconut Rice Pudding


Let's talk about the direction of this blog. My sister made the comment the other day asking me if I'm just sharing recipes now. I'm not sure if any of you have thought the same thing. I thought, "Gosh, you are right! ...I really don't share much of my other domestic events as of late."

I think this has happened for numerous reason. Primary reason being time. Running two blogs and having a very fun, fulfilling and delicious full-time job keeps me busy! So really when I lack time I just get my Tuesdays with Dorie posts and then maybe some other recipes I've tried. I really want to get back to sharing all my other domestic activities. I consider myself a food blogger, but I started this blog to become more domestic and I still feel committed to that goal. Domestic activities are going on...I'm just not reporting.

So here's some of the latest:

I'm once again attempting to finish this Easter Craft Project.

I'm loving my current read: The Help. It's so good! Check out my 2010 and beyond book list.

The most recent edition of Cook's Illustrated is fabulous. I tried the chewy brownies. I've also been reading their Spring Entertaining Issue. Really want to try their cheap steaks! Anyone else subscribe?

I'm gearing up for some spring cleaning. I already went through some cupboards and threw out some old cereal and crackers. Wonder why? I was petrified of getting grain beetles. (note: the products weren't too old but still!) Read this! Ewww!

Shopping? I bought me some comfortable and adorable slip on boat shoes. Can't wait for spring!