Birthday Goodies

I recently added another year to my time on earth, and my wonderful family wisely gave me . . . Amazon gift certificates! And a cookbook! Woo-hoo! This is a list of some of my birthday goodies:

1. The Art of the Dessert

2. California Pizza Kitchen Pasta, Salads, Soups, And Sides

3. The Essential Baker: The Comprehensive Guide to Baking with Chocolate, Fruit, Nuts, Spices, and Other Ingredients

4. A Twist of the Wrist: Quick Flavorful Meals with Ingredients from Jars, Cans, Bags, and Boxes

5. Vegetable Harvest: Vegetables at the Center of the Plate

I can hardly wait to start cooking!

Chicken Breasts Braised With Hard Cider & Parsnips

Hhhm. I know this picture doesn't look like much but, trust me, it is chicken braised with hard cider and parsnips. Another Molly Stevens winner from All About Braising; I was tempted to try it because of the Amateur Gourmet's tantalizing post (he kindly posted the entire recipe, so check out his blog!).

I used the hard cider pictured below. Steven's notes that different brands will change the flavor of the dish. The recipe calls for bacon: My choice was Niman Ranch unsmoked bacon, which I picked up at the local Whole Foods.


Folks, this is a book that I can recommend without reservation. A five star addition for any cook's library.

Where Are You?

Inquiring pups want to know.

Between injuries and an enormous "To Do" List, I haven't been blogging much, but I'll be back soon. I feel an urge to cook up a storm, and that usually produces some dishes worth blogging about!