Well, after long thought (OK, 17 seconds) I've decided the Hinkelgruber family menu should be brought to the web. A couple of things for you to remember: no substitutions (Charlie's not a short-order cook, after all), and change is inevitable - Charlie may not feel like cooking kim chee on a Tuesday! Oh, and there is one request: if you're joining us for dinner, please either call or text the Scary Lady (you know the number - if you don't, you're really not invited).

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Ahh, bread...the staff of life...

I've said before, I love to bake.  This past week, I baked rolls for Thanksgiving, then made my first brioche. Oh, Julia Child was right - there's nothing like brioche when it comes to bread!  Soft, sweet, crunchy crust - all the textures one could ask for.

I also did something I try to do once a year - I actually cooked a full dinner.  Yes, sports fans, me, Mrs. Hinkelgruber prepared Friday's dinner.  The turkey breast, the potatoes, the sweet potatoes, the vegetables, the pumpkin pie - all of it. (Ok, ok, ok, Mr. Hinkelgruber actually made the mashed potatoes, but those of you who have had  his mashed potatoes knows that no one makes them like he makes them!)

Mr. Hinkelgruber has a birthday this Sunday - and the man-cave (his birthday gift) should be finished by this next weekend.  Oh, how the boys will be pleased!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering:  28 days until Christmas!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

It's beginning to smell a lot like...baked goods!

Oh, I love baking season - and this week I've baked or prepared for baking lots! Jacques Torres' chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pound cake, whoopie pies - and that's just this week!

I've gone back to the gym - I know, baking and the gym - somehow they are two opposite ends of the spectrum, but it just seemed right.

Heading for Lost Wages - oh, the debauchery.  And then, the holidays. It's a typical foxtrot tempo:  slow, slow, quick, quick!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Baby needs new shoes!

In case you all were wondering, Mr. Hinkelgruber and the elder Hinkelgruber son took off to "Lost Wages" for three days of drinking and debauchery. That leaves me on my own.  Ho, hum....what's a girl to do? Dine out, of course! Oh, and not to be outdone - I'll leave for "Sin City" in about ten days for five days with the best bud.

I started my plan for the holidays and have mixed up the first two batches of the most terrific chocolate chip cookies for holiday gift giving. I'm so excited - it's baking season!