Weekend Enjoyed

I curled soft thoughts from a weekend enjoyed. My weekends seem to have gained length since I have began working at the BVI. I am not sure why this is. I think because while working there, there isn't the ability to slack off like at other jobs. (You know what I am talking about.) So when I get time off it seems like such an enjoyable release. This weekend I spent most of my time putting siding up on my house. Oh it was lovely. I was worried I was making some terrible unknown mistake while embarking on the clapboard endeavor. Remember, learning carpenter. It looks great! One day was sunny and warm, the next cloudy and chilly. Each memory great feelings between body and mind. Leaving my house I had staging setup to continue the siding for next week.

I also got to pull porcupine quills from one of my grandfather's cows. It isn't the most exciting story, but there is something so unique about the acts of farming. Taking pliers to the face of a large animal, who is scared, because what you are doing will be an act of healing. That is a great thought. Curling inwards to soft, warmed soul.

Chocolate Panna Cotta

Today was my day off. I had a split weekend this week. So I worked on the house for a few hours putting in windows with a past coworker. I did not get as much done as I had wanted. He showed up pretty hung over. So was still thankful for the help, but any heavy work in the barn wasn't happening. So after putting in most of the downstair windows, I retreated to the garden for some fun weeding in the misty rain- bug free! And then decided that it was time for a heavy whipping cream run. I went off to Hanafords, and got some white chocolate, some cream, and then walked around looking at pudding, yogurt and fruit cups as cheap Panna Cotta molds. I couldn't decide which ones would be best, so I ended up buying a couple yogurts and some really really cheap pudding. I then spent the rest of the day listening to Chopin and Beethoven, making sauces, and eating pudding. It was perfect. Although I have to admit negated my workouts from the last couple days. (I think I'll be fine)

So above is the desert finale. My biggest critique is that the ganache was spread too thickly. Kills the presentation. Otherwise I was very happy. It was my first attempt at a PC. It was perfect. The crisp (cookie that looks like a fin) was tacky. It was practice to make it gluten free, but tasted good. I completely messed up making a white chocolate mousse. I was attempting to mix it with a homemade ricotta. The chef at the BVI was making a ricotta, and had to ask him how he got his so fine. And then later I asked how I could blend it with a white chocolate. Well, considering the process involved several cooking techniques I have never tried, and I was able to salvage a sauce in the end, then I am very very happy.

I invited over a couple friends for tonight to enjoy. I think it was quite good. It was a lot of fun making three different sauces, an emulsion, and the ganache. One sauce I did not use. I overcooked the ricotta, and decided that Kavia would fair better with it. =)

So that is my near perfect weekend day. I got more of my house done, and realized that I really need to just hop to for the water and electrical when I get some cash next month, I got to relax inside after the garden, learn a bit more about confectionery, and had a couple friends over.

I hope whoever is reading this is well and wonderful. If not (or even if you are!) I do have three extra panna cottas ready to go... first come, first serve. I guarantee one is not making it beyond breakfast.

Zac

Can't Remember that Song!

I have ZERO musical abilities. So I am often in the bind of hearing a song I like, but I cannot remember the lyrics. So I am at work, in the kitchen, trying to sing what lines I can remember to a cook, out of tune mind you, and then asking- do you know that song?

There is a song that goes "She wants my body" only line I can remember, any help?

This one took me a bit

Looking around the house.
Hidden behind the window and the door.
Searching for signs of life but there's nobody home.

Well, maybe I'm just too sure.
Maybe I'm just too frightened
by the sound of it.
Pieces of note fall down, but the letter said, - better than ezra, good

And possum kingdom

Enjoy the sun!

Lets kiss the sun when she comes out.

If I was a Horse

Then I'd colic. Good thing I'm not, 'cept this parabola of butterfly wings fabricated into the stitches of hooting night owls- a sliver of torn, cool, night air; a slow evening toad making his way to the warmth of the blacktop of route 11.

May 1

Well here is the house coming along! Tyveked the lower level completely. I have some time off, and will be finishing the other grabrel end, and then tyvek the upstairs, windows, and doors! The place is also looking very green.

And those yummy things above are an Orange Manier Truffle covered in dark chocolate and candied orange peel.

And It All Starts Over, Again