Nat’s Best Nine of 2009
Posted on 24. Dec, 2009 by Natalie Ross in Blog, Food, Travel
Inspired by the many “best of” posts, articles, and tweets I’ve been seeing lately, I’ve decided to post my top nine favorite things the impending year-end!
1. Best Album
Draw the Line - David Gray – the first and only pre-order I’ve ever bought on iTunes. Worth the wait. Some new tracks and some classic tunes as well! – This album is currently on sale on Amazon for $5! As of 12/28/09
2. Best Movie
An Education – This movie was great because we talked about it for weeks afterward. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it and feeling differently about each character and situation. Lead actress Carey Mulligan is nominated for a Golden Globe, which I think is totally deserved. She did an AMAZING job!
(I have to give honorable mention to The Twilight Saga: New Moon – I’m not even going to try and sell you on this. The Twilight series is like sushi: you either love it or hate it. Either way, my recommendation is not going to convince you.)
3. Best Blog
The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau – This blog changed my life this year. It sparked my interest in blogging, reading blogs, Twitter, etc. It also excited and renewed my interest and devotion to travel and making decisions that allow me more time to do things I want. THANK YOU to Chris for posting these unconventional ideas for consumption by all non-conformists!
4. Best Money Tip
Mint.com – This budget site is killer for couples because you can both access all your checking/savings/credit accounts with one log-in online, from anywhere! That makes staying on track SO much easier and helps you stay accountable for your purchases! For those of you paranoid about putting your financial info onto a free site, it’s owned by Intuit the makers of Quicken and TurboTax, so relax, it’s safe!
5. Best Book
How to Love by Gordon Livingston M.D. – This recommendation should really be for ALL books by Gordon Livingston because the man is a genius. He offers truly eye-opening insight about relationships, emotional awareness, and all things feelings-related. I am constantly stopping to read things out loud to my husband because the ideas are so fantastic, I just can’t keep them to myself!
6. Best Technology
Netflix – Streaming through PS3. I love any kind of technology that further encourages my laziness. As if entering movies into a queue and having them delivered straight my door wasn’t lazy enough… I can now stream movies instantaneously through my PS3. Without even getting off the couch!
7. Best Meal
Peter Luger Steakhouse – Brooklyn, NY – Tom and I split a rib-eye and a side of broccoli for lunch. I am confident that no other steak will EVER taste as good. I could eat one everyday for the rest of my life and never get sick of it. Eating here again is definitely on my bucket list.
8. Best Trip
New York City – We stayed in Brooklyn and made SERIOUS use of our unlimited ride Metro cards. This was also the first trip Tom and I have taken where I split off and wandered on my own for a few hours. I was making my way back to the subway from shopping at the discount designer mecca Century 21 in the Financial District and stumbled across this hidden little street blocked off and filled with tables for the neighboring restaurants. I don’t know what it was that struck me but that find alone made the trip for me.
9. Best New Experience
Being an Aunt – I never knew I could be so attached to this little person who isn’t even mine. I’m now worried that when I have my own children I will smother them with love and kisses a la Elmyra.
Miniature Caramel Apples
Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by Natalie Ross in Blog, Food
Aren’t they adorable?! They fulfill my need for two of my favorite things: miniatures and sweets! I made these little puppies for Halloween and brought them to work. It’s a rare day when sugary goodies shared at our office are completely devoured before 10am… Ok, so that’s not rare at all, but I was still proud that my little apples were such a big hit!
Miniature Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 15 miniature Lady apples – Found @ Whole Foods
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Directions
Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Return to low heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool until the caramel is thick enough to coat a spoon. Insert sticks into the stem ends of 6 apples and dip the apples into the caramel, letting the excess drip off. Roll in toppings if desired, then let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
“Most. Amazing. Dessert. EVER.”
Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by Natalie Ross in Blog, Food
The title quote from my sweets-indifferent husband after just one bite of Pecan Cranberry Tart from the November issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I’d have to agree. It is quite possibly my new favorite as well. The icing on the proverbial cake was my friend Michael (a true Southern gentleman but honest food critic) saying, “That pecan and cranberry tart has changed my whole understanding of pecan pie. I’m a changed man, but perhaps an ashamed Kentuckian.” What further testimonial could you possibly need?! This tart is really quite easy and is guaranteed to be a big hit whether you take it to a dinner party or eat it all yourself!
Pecan Cranberry Tart
Ingredients
- 1 Recipe Tart Shells, recipe below
- 3 egg whites
- 2 whole eggs
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light-colored corn syrup
- 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise or 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans halves, toasted
- 1 cup cranberries
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare Tart Shells. In medium bowl beat egg whites and whole eggs until combined; set aside.
2. In small saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean; add to pan with bean. Bring just to boiling over medium heat. Gradually whisk into egg mixture. With slotted spoon remove and discard vanilla bean.
3. Arrange pecan halves and cranberries in cooled tart shells. Pour syrup mixture over.
4. Place tarts on large baking sheet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until filling is set. Makes 2 tarts (10 servings each).
5. Tart Shells: In mixing bowl beat 2/3 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium-high until light. Add 1-1/3 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp. kosher salt; beat 1 minute. Beat in 2 eggs and 2 egg yolks; beat 1 minute more. Gradually beat in 3 cups all-purpose flour. Divide dough in half. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 1 hour. On lightly floured surface, roll each half to 16×6-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to two 14×5-inch rectangular tart pans with removable bottoms. Trim edges. Chill 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown; cool.
6. Make Ahead: Bake tart shells 1 day ahead. Wrap; store at room temperature.