Baldur

I think this will be the last hurrah for the anise seed wreaths.
Each year I feel compelled to make some sort of anise flavored cookie and these are just a bit on the boring side.
It was a new recipe, so now it's been tried and can be removed from the file..
In previous years I have simmered chopped prunes in a little bit of anisette liqueur, added glace' cherries and blanched almonds.
This was then spread down the center of a strip of buttery dough, which was then folded over, encasing the filling before baking.
once cooled I coated it was an icing made of Anisette and confectioners sugar, and then sliced them.
Those were very nice.

Baldur

was -as +ith =with

Baldur

The original recipe was something made by Robert's Aunt Virginia.
She had brought them to a family party several Christmasii ago, it was her secret recipe.
Being a wise-ass, and knowing I had a similar dough recipe, I copied the cookies exactly, and brought a batch of them to the next Christmas party.
They were on the table and Aunt Virginia started getting compliments for bringing them and she had to tell everyone that she hadn't.
She finally figured out it was me, but she was amazed that mine were exactly like hers.

matthew

... I don't know how smart it is of me to share this with y'all... People will surely be after me to steal my computer or worse...

BUT...

... I have just discovered that I can change the date and time on my laptop...

... So all I have to do is decide if I wish to travel to the past or the future...

marg

matthew..

..if you can tell us how to change the date and time on the ThinkDraw server, I'll listen..

..in the meantime, have fun sending emails dated 26th September, 1989 to people

marg

sorry, belladonnis..

I just wanted to say that it's REALLY bad when something like your mother's fall happens at all, let alone right before Christmas - and as for a child dying (of whatever age), I can only send my thoughts and feelings to you and your friend.

Sorry, that seems awfully inadequate, but there just isn't an answer, except maybe time and knowing that other people care..

maddyjean08

Belladonnis,

I will pray for your mother, is it too serious?

God bless.

matthew

So Marg, you are telling me that I can go back in time AND still contact you in the present via Email...

Wow, that's amazing... Have you experience in time travel?

maddyjean08

I wouldn't be surprised...... Don't you think that'd be creepy to get an e-mail dated back to before e-mail was invented?

God bless.

marg

no, matthew.. I just don't check my Inbox very often

Baldur

Good morning,
Baldur just put a pan of butterscotch pecan bars with brown sugar meringue topping in the oven.
I'm thinking I need to race to the market to purchase a couple more bags of pecans.
This tray of cookies seems doomed to disappear rather quickly.

Baldur

I dumped the anise seed wreaths into the cookie jar, they just aren't excoting enough for my Christmas cookie trays.
Somebody please stop me if I ever get the urge to bake anything anise flavoured again.

Baldur

excoting -o +i =exciting

Baldur

I do have at least an ounce of anise extract left in the cupboard.
What to do
What to do.........

marius

Dear Baldur, marius has been busy doing things she hates to do. However, there is a smile on the face now because that's what happens when I force myself to do what I don't want to do but think I must.

However, I am behind on reading here but did see some good veggies ideas. Must do some yoga and then will catch up!

And, um, er, ... thanks to folks for putting up with me when I go on my "missions." Geez. (laughing really oddly right now! yoga, here I come!)

maddyjean08

Yeah, ok, I'm bored.

lilalee

Baldur, know any Italians?? Most love anise flavored anything. My old boss use to make anise Christmas, and Easter cookies, and we all loved them. Some of your friends may like the anise wreaths. Also good for you!!

Qsilv

The thing with anise is it's rather overpowering as a main flavor, but it's one of those amazing undercurrents when used so sparingly that people aren't quite sure what it is but definitely notice when it's missing. Classic "secret ingredient".

I really can't stand licorice, but love Chinese bbq-y stuff with Five Spices... and hey, curry... hot tea...

Qsilv

marius - your "mission" was awe-inspiringly well done.

Robindcr8l

Well, I think I have resolved my horrific virus program without the use of IV antibiotics. My computer guru friend/ neighbor is on some ridiculous hunting trip, so no help there. I called a mobile computer service guy and he actually talked me through the same process over the phone. That was nice of him, as I then didn't need his on-site services which would cost me, of course. But really, I need him anyway to help me get some decent virus protection and secure my wireless network. Since he was nice enough to give me free advice over the phone, I am going to go ahead and have him help me with these other issues, too so I can pay him for his time. Computers are great, but they suck, too.

Marius, forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the dog story. It could be written down and illustrated into a book. I think you should pursue that! You have a real talent with words, and a wisdom and insight I admire. I think it's a high emotional IQ (if you've ever heard of that. It's different than intellectual IQ, although I suspect that is high with you, also!)

I have not slept in 2 nights, even though I am officially done with night shift. I was supposed to go orient to day shift charge nurse position yesterday, but then didn't sleep so was going to go in today, but then didn't sleep. Now I am scheduled to charge tomorrow morning at 7am and won't know all the paperwork. I decided since none of that paperwork would impact the safety of the patients or the unit, I could be ambivalent about my orientation. I've always done well with the sink or swim method anyway.

Didn't end up going with friends for the Griswald light fest last night because I have a cold. Just sniffling and sneezing, but my friend has a 4 week old baby and I didn't want to expose him. So my son and I went alone. You know, you can see pics of these Griswald houses and be amazed at them, but you really can't get the full sense of the ridiculousness (10 pts. for made-up word) unless you go there in person. Millions of lights and moving things and there was a whole group of Mormon carolers there, too! Santa's and reindeer, and nativities, and stars and snowmen, and elves, and penguins and dolphins (?why dolphins?) and Christmas trees and blue-lihgt ice rinks and skiing bears. There are carousels and ferris wheels and big huge lettering on the roof that says "Happy Birthday Jesus" and "God Bless America". There is a 4-acre angel covering the hill in the back yard that can be seen from clear across the city. The traffic is backed up on the street and people are parked in front of driveways so they can get out and walk around the winter wonderland. It is just so ridiculous that it makes me giggle right out loud EVERY year! And I love anything that provokes giggling, so I visit every year. I'd love all of you to plan Christmas season in Boise next year just so you can see this particular Griswald house!

Today is my brother's birthday. I suppose I should at least send him an e-card! He hasn't spoken to me since I told him he was a drunk and a blubbering idiot and needed some help. ( I think I used gentler words than that, but they said the same thing.) Not sure he wants even an e-card from me. But why not??

What do you think, Aunt B???