Weekend Round-Up

Interesting Life Hacks

Food for Thought-for all the Mary Oliver fans-her newest book :"Upstream: Selected Essays."


A recent October review. "Upstream" is a collection of expressive, inspired, poetic and flowing essays which echoes Oliver's deep bond with countryside, its flora and fauna, landscapes, grass and flowers. It is also about her connection with the earth and sky, and other illustrious poets and writers. In short, it is about nature and literature.

Through these deeply felt essays numbering nineteen, Mary Oliver takes the reader on a journey through the wonders of nature to share her inner vision, expressed in flowing language that is both poetic and romantic. Her beautiful wordplay, vivid imaginary, clear thoughts and wonderful expression make the essays come alive with such a force that it is way past explanation. Her musings are insightful and intelligent. "Upstream: Selected Essays " is an ode to nature, and a tribute to poets and writers like Whitman, Emerson, and Poe. It is a fine piece of writing which will soothe your soul.

Visit Mary Aaalgaard's Play Off the Page where she writes entertainment reviews  and journals off the page about art, theater, kids, quotes and inspiration.

 http://playoffthepage.com/category/play-off-the-page/

Some of her recent October reviews include Ragtime at Theater Latte da, Bluebeard Dollhouse at James J. Hill House, Last Firefly at Children's Theater and Bobby Vee: Teen Idol at The History Theater.   

 A Sweet Treat just in time for your holiday entertaining 

Baileys Irish Cream Parfaits

Cook's notes: A easy showstopper recipe! Recipe adapted from from http://homemadehooplah.com/recipes/baileys-cookies-cream-parfaits/ and makes four parfaits.
Ingredients:

• 15 Oreos
• 4 oz. semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa) roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream chilled 
• 1/3 cup Baileys, chilled
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

• Use a food processor to crush Oreo cookies into crumbles and set aside.
• Place chopped semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate in a small bowl. Heat milk until steaming, and then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, and whisk to blend. Set aside to cool at room temperature.
• Beat chilled heavy cream, Baileys, and powdered sugar with a mixer on high until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
• Divide cream mixture in half. The first half of the whipped cream mixture will be left alone and ready to use in the parfait. To the second half of cream mixture gently fold in chocolate mixture until completely mixed.
• Use three different small spoons for this step. Assemble the parfaits in following order: cookie crumbs, cream layer, cookie crumbs, chocolate layer then repeat layers again, and finish parfaits with cookie crumbles on top.
• Parfaits can be served immediately or chilled for firmer layers 2-3 hours before.

A perfect small treat for your holiday entertaining when served in mini glasses. These glasses were purchased at World Market store. Recipe makes 6 mini desserts.

Holiday Appetizers and Desserts
Small Plates-Big Flavors