And the WINNER is...."Dump Cake"!

Well, despite the absolute paucity of responses, the winner - this week anyways...is DUMP CAKE. Yep, the name definitely does not conjure up heavenly visions of a carefully created, sugar filled masterpiece. Apparently, this is what is is supposed to look like....

This is the recipe posted by Vicki...

Dump Cake - because you just 'dump' it all in!

• 1 can cherry pie filling (other pie filings flavors work, but cherry seems to be best to me)
• 1 can crushed or tidbit pineapple 1 yellow cake mix (you do NOT need the 'additional' ingredients listed on the cake mix box)
• 1/2 stick butter or margarine
• nuts - optional
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees DUMP the can of cherry pie filling into the pan DUMP the can of pineapple into the pan DUMP a few nuts in if you want to Stir if you happen to have a spoon handy
• DUMP (okay perhaps sprinkling does a little better than 'dumping' in this step, but either way works) the dry cake mix over the fruit mixture
• Dot the top with dabs of the butter or margarine
• Bake in oven till juices bubble up and cause the cake mix to form a golden brown crust.

Seems so simple even someone like me could not screw it up. (Although I'm sure I could find a way.) Well, I'm going to make this today or tomorrow, and will post some pics. Monsoongirlie will comment on the result!

The contest is still open...there HAS to be more. Perhaps a compilation cookbook - "The Best Desserts with the Worst Names" - is in order???

Biking and other nonsense...

In the last few months I have rekindled my love for biking. It's now becoming a bit of an addiction. It's the only part of the day that I feel truly alive - whipping down the paths by the river, dodging people and dogs. It wakes up my mind and my soul...which is great after a punishing day at the office.

On Sunday I reached a new feat - at least for myself - I biked about 45 km in about an hour and a half. When I went out tonight to do my 'usual' 15km weeknight ride, my legs were STILL tired. Yep. Definitely not 18 any more. The great thing is that I can do 15km in better time than I did when I was 18! Yes!

What I love the most about biking is that it gets me outside, in the fresh air, and it is something that gives me that absolutely exhilirating feeling of freedom - I am by myself, testing myself, and free of phones, blackberries, and all such other nonsense that fills my daily life. Which leads me to a rant...

What is going on with the world?!? I can see carrying a cell phone or something while you bike, run, rollerblade, etc. to use for emergencies. But are people so addicted to this technology that they have to use it whilst they exercise outside? Seriously, give me a break. I'm sure your friends can wait until you're done rollerblading for you to call them to go out for a burger or a beer or whatever it is people talk about. I cannot believe the number of people who bike, rollerblade, etc. and talk on thier phones! I've even seen people pull over to email on their blackberry! No wonder people are burned out and stressed out - many of us are so addicted to this technology that we cannot peel ourselves away from it even to rest our minds and work our bodies.

Argh. Anyone else out there with blackberry/phone peeves?

-E.F.

Contest: The Worst Dessert Name Ever...

I was looking at pinknest's blog today, and thought to myself, self, she really focuses on dessert. What is it about dessert? Dessert is the penultimate moment in a good meal. It is like the last leg of a marathon. Things started off so easy - and so small. Your stomach was empty, and the way was clear: eat until you cannot. First, perhaps, an amuse-bouche. Then a string of starters, soup, salad even. Valiantly you soldiered through the main course, and now, having perhaps saved some room (And perhaps not) it is time...for dessert. Dessert is THE moment for many. The names of desserts are always duly descriptive and wondrous, especially those with romantic language names: Sacher Torte, Creme Brulee, Tarte Tatin - you get the picture.

Photo Source: http://www.comfortableshoe.co.uk/images/misc/spotted.jpg

What, then, of the less glamorously named desserts? Those whose names conjure anything but wondrous thoughts in the head of the expectant gourmande? Well, anyone who has been to England knows the winner - Spotted Dick. Ah, spotted dick. The words roll off of the tongue somewhat awkwardly, perhaps more apt to be heard in men's locker rooms and doctors offices around the english-speaking world - spoken more with fear rather than the anticipation of dessert. Known to true afficionados as "the Dick", this dessert, or more properly, 'pudding' is much maligned. It is actually quite tasty, a sweet suet sponge with currants, usually served with custard and fresh jam.

Ah, but the poor Dick's name is it's downfall, dooming it to only grace the menus of tea shops, pubs and 'traditional' English restaurants, never to rise to the fame of it's sinful counterparts. Whereas 'Creme Brulee' may roll off of the tongue, regardless of the speaker's knowledge of the language they speak, Spotted Dick simply does not make the grade. I would love to know the history of the name of this pudding. Clearly, the 'spotted' part comes from the currants used...but what of the Dick?

In case some of you might think I'm making this up...even the venable Heinz has it's own version... (This is not a photoshop job. It is the real deal. You either boil it in the can or microwave it. Yum!)

Now, dear readers, the question becomes: In your opinion, what is the worst-named dessert ever, and why? I eagerly await your responses!!! The winner of the Contest will be allowed to post the recipe of their dessert, and I will make it and take photos...but these must be bona-fide desserts...no disgusting concoctions!

-EF.

My Cappucino Rant...

Ok, so here's the scoop. I've decided that the 'Starbucks Nation' has all but ruined the cappucino. Anyone else out there noted that Source: http://www.kaffeborsen.no/kaffedrikker.htm

more often than not, unless requested 'dry', cappucinos served in mainstream (and not-so-mainstream) coffee houses have been totally killed by TOO MUCH milk? It's ridiculous to have to ask for a 'dry' cappucino so that your coffee is not magically transformed into a flabby latte by some wild-eyed, overworked, underpaid university student.

It's like the baristas are afraid to give you a cup that is 1 part coffee, 1 part milk, and 1 part froth. I don't know if they think the cup feels too light for the money that has been paid for the beverage, or whether they are afraid to actually serve a beverage that tastes like coffee. With all of the rubbish that people throw in their coffees, (what the hell is a 'mocha valencia' anyways?)perhaps the latter is the most likely.

Regardless, it's time to get back to basics. Stop throwing all the rubbish into the cup, and remember what a cappucino is. There is a fine line that must be walked. Too much milk in that lovely, rich espresso and you have crossed the line from 'cappucino' to 'latte' - from flavour to a milky beverage used to wean children onto the bitter, addictive liquor.

It's not very often that I complain, and I know this is a bit peevish - but seriously - if you know what a "half sweet tazo chai latte" is, you should at least know how to make a good cappucino. I'm becoming of the opinion that one must travel to Rome (or my kitchen) in order to get a decent cappucino.

I would love to hear anyone else with a coffee peeve...

Too busy to blog!

The Enemy Marches Onward (time)...
Argh. As usual, I am working like a maniac and have no time to blog. I started work at 7am, and it's now 1am...

I am LIVING the life!

Anyways, as such, my brain is incapable of forming any sort of rational or irrational thought. I will have to wait until tomorrow to delight the world with my incessant wisdom and insight.

Confessions of a Tea Addict...

I'm a tea addict. Yes, it's true. I blame it on an old landlord of mine who used to import tea from around the world and was something of a connosieur. Tea is a way of life for me. I start every day (except weekends, which are reserved for coffee) with a bowl of matcha. Matcha is powdered green tea of the highest order, and is the tea of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The rich flavour, colour and preparation of matcha is a great way to start the day. Plus, it does give a nice lift without the jitters or irritation of coffee!

Some of my other green favorites are Japanese Sencha, Gyokuro, and Genmai-cha. I also enjoy Chinese Dragon Well, Spring Snail, and Peony White Needle (premium white tea).

As far as black (fermented teas) are concerned, I love a nice cup of English Breakfast, Orange Pekoe, Earl Grey, Jasmine, richly spiced Indian Chai, anything...you name it!

Then there is Rooibos (roy-bus), which is South African Redbush - a bush with needles, that when fermented, make a wonderful, relaxing brew.

For me, Tea is a relaxation/conversation drink that transcends indulgent. Further, it is a drink, that when brewed loose-leaf, brings one closer to our own attachment to this earth. Tea's beginnings are steeped in the history of mankind. There is something so attractive, theraputic and basic about throwing dried leaves into hot water. In today's world, many of us can enjoy every day what only the ultra rich of the past could afford - a cup of tea.

Just wait until I get started on coffee...but that's for another time!

My latest read...

Is The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. It's actually a great book, though I'm only part way through it. I really enjoy her writing style, which is succinct, yet descriptive enough to bring you into the lives of the characters and really 'feel' what is going on. Once I'm finished, I'll review it more completely. (However, my track record lately isn't very good. The last book I read was The Kite Runner, which is a GREAT book. The only reason I think I managed to finish it is because I was on holidays...!)

Although I used to read mostly fantasy books when I was young, I have branched out to the point where I will read almost anything. The problem is that I read so much for work, the last thing I tend to associate with relaxing is reading...but I'm working on it.

What are you reading right now...?

Ahhh Sundays

Such a strange day. The day before work. (For those of us with so-called Monday to Friday jobs, that is. Although technically I fall into this class, I've spent a few hours working today.) The last day of the weekend. The pull of trying to make as much as you can of your 'own' time prior to falling into another full week of work, yet already beginning to think about work and what 'needs' to be done.

I have always liked Sundays, but find that as I get older, I like them less and less. This is because it is harder to relax on a Sunday with Monday looming so close on the horizon.

There seems to be only one answer. Make the weekends 3 days long and defer this feeling to Monday!

What do you like to do with your Sundays??? Let me know!