Naughtiness and Giggles

As most of you know, I held a little soiree for the work peeps a couple of weeks ago.  What you may not know is that a co-worker, of British origin, had a bit of fun with the Islanders.  As the fete was pot luck, Paul (Brit by birth) offered to bring "spotted dick".  Now, some people will know that spotted dick is a pudding dessert (with raisins - hence the spotted part), but others may just think he's being a smart ass (or smarty pants for the  "G" crowd)...and that would also be true.  (Even he would admit it.)  With time pressing, he wasn't able to actually make spotted dick, but his ingenious wife, Elaine, came up with a solution.  I only have one picture, but here it is (followed by photos of the aforementioned raspberry Charlotte cake):

If this happens to you...go to the doctor immediately!

My piping needs work, but I do practice.

Not much left...must have been the Gran Marnier.

I've been in a bit of what I've been calling "cake-maggedon".  I agreed to make a cake for a repeat customer and she asked if I could do a dog.  Well, I've made a car and rolling hills, so why not a dog?  Of course, I said "yes".  Well, making a dog cake isn't all that easy, no matter how much you think it out.  Thank heaven's I could call on Ron's sculpting experience, as he helped shape the dog's body and he helped with blending the fur in etc.  It went better than I thought, even though I think we could improve on certain things.  (Don't I always say that???)  Working as a team, we got it done and here are some pictures to prove it.  (Please note that Owen, the dog, isn't as fat as his cake, but who wants a skinny cake?  His neck isn't as thick, either, but that's another accommodation for the medium.  Who knew that rice crispy treats were heavier than cake?)

We've had a lovely dinner of roasted trout, black rice (seriously, I can't recommend it enough, black rice is phenomenal!) with red peppers and asparagus.

Ron and I spent last weekend in Halifax, celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary.  We ate until we were ready to explode (have I mentioned that we miss eating out?).  I think the last time we went out for dinner is when we were in Vancouver in October.  Mind boggling to those West Coasters who know us well!  Any how, Halifax is a lovely little city that reminds us a bit of Victoria.  We had to commute home after a storm, but we made it home safely (obviously) and have settled back in to the little red Island, which we call home.  There are times when we miss Vancouver, almost painfully and others that we can't imagine living any where else but here.  This is our life here on the Gentle Island and, as always, we look to the future and wonder what it holds.  Be well, all of you.  Know you're loved and missed.  (PS, our current favourite Canadian TV show is "Republic of Doyle", has anyone else out there watched it???)

Enter Old Man Winter

I have to say that OMW is a kinder, gentler man this year.  He came with soft flakes and little bluster, coating our property in a veil of white and shine that makes you happy to see him.  It was cold this morning, -24 or something like that, but it made the trees branches all white with ice crystals that shone in the rising sun.  Truly breathtaking.

Very perversely, now that I've waxed poetic about the sun etc, it's begun to snow even though the weather forecast states "we don't expect any precipitation between now and Sunday morning". 

I'm having a small party for my work peeps.  I've made a lovely cake called "Raspberry Charlotte" that involves a chocolate genoise cake, alcohol (Grand Marnier, to be specific), and a frothy whipped cream/raspberry pure filling.  I'm now about to attempt a chocolate "filigree" border...wish me luck, if it's successful I'll post pictures at some point.  Now I'm off to complete the cake and get myself purtied up before the guests arrive.  (Oh and complete all the other little dished I have planned - carrot and beet salad, broiled asparagus and risotto.  Some folks haven't tried risotto yet, so I'm hoping it turns out well.)  Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend and knows that we're thinking of you, as always.