My friend Bob

A very dear friend recently gave me a wonderful gift of three red jalapenos he let ripen on his plants. We were having lunch when I mentioned the need for red jalapenos because I wanted to roast them in order to make my own chipotle peppers. Or a close approximation as the peppers would be oven roasted because I lack a smoker and I am not able to dig an in-ground smoking pit. The problem I was experiencing is the two-fold: most people do not realize jalapenos turn red when left on the vine and I had never smoked peppers.

The peppers were cut in half lengthwise with the seeds and membrane removed then placed into my cast iron pan. These were put into a too-hot oven and began to blacken too early in the process. The temperature was reduced, but some was lost to charring. Ideally, these would be smoked in a smoker with a hardwood to help provide flavor. Maybe some day.

What did I do with my now-roasted jalapenos? I put them in a jar and will use them in my cooking this weekend. I have a plan for them. I will keep you updated.

Samantha

This past week has been an emotional roller coaster which began last Thursday when I learned my cat Samantha was seriously ill and the vet said the word dreaded 'e' word. Most of the conversation with the vet is lost in my memory bank. I have been on auto pilot since hearing the news.Having been given just 3 days of pain med for Samantha meant it would be our last weekend. Thank you to all who offered support and sympathy as they have been very comforting.

I will write next week.

Peaches and Cream Pie

After weeding a flower garden for two hours (I am slow at this task) on a perfectly beautiful morning, I decided to stop a j.scones and splurge on the purchase a treat for myself. While ‘scones’ is a part of what they do, it is a small part of their offerings. The have a changing menu of sweets. The day I walked in to get my treat was the day they had a peaches and cream pie.  It has been over 20 years since my last peaches and cream pie. Soon it was in a brown box tied with a green and cream raffia bow and being carried out of the bakery and on its ways home.

It was every bit as good as I thought it would be. A flakey crust, fabulous peaches (where did she get them so late in the season?), and the right amount of cinnamon. I fell in love with each bite and never took a photo of this pie. (In my defense, the pie was only a 4 or 5 inch pie and only enough two pieces.)

But here is the photo of the chocolate cake I forgot to upload last week. 

Chocolate Cake!

Chocolate Cake Testing Week

Bill Cosby may have served his children chocolate cake for breakfast, but I did not eat chocolate cake for breakfast. I ate it at lunch, at dinner, and as a between-meal snack. This week I had the wonderful task of deciding which of two chocolate cakes was better. The task was not easy. In fact, I was comparing two different recipes and icing styles.

First up, the two layer cake with fluffy chocolate icing and dark chocolate pieces dotting the bottom edge of the cake. I took an early taste test by using my finger to scoop a bit of icing from the plate for a taste of what is certainly one of the best icings I have eaten. Second to be tasted was the homemade triple layer death by chocolate cake. Three layers of cake topped with a ganache-like icing. Simple in appearance, but not simple in taste.

Although I tried my best with multiple taste tests occurring over several days I was unable to determine which cake was better. The work will continue to determine the best chocolate cake experience.