Gator Pam
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Posts posted by Gator Pam
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16 hours ago, HomeinKS said:
March is flying! Hubby hit a deer this morning in our 2005 Prius with 400K -200 miles on it. We need to have a look and see if it is reasonably fixable; crazy thought I know.
Ouch. Is he OK?
Did the deer run off? Or do y’all have venison to look forward to?
Tonight starts the festival of Purim, with Shushan Purim following on Shabbes. It’s not in my tradition to bake cookies for the winter festivities, but I do make hamentaschen for Purim.
This year I kept the count of each kind between a half a dozen for each of fruit filled, and closer to a dozen for the specialty ones. So we have:
6 fig
6 apricot
6 prune
7 espresso martini
and
10 s’moresThat’s still nearly three dozen for the three of us. That will definitely see us through the festival, and then some!
Since each kind of the traditional fillings made about a dozen, I have enough to deliver them to some friends as well. Hopefully it will make their Purim, or at least their weekend, merry.
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Ooo…
I’m removing my overwinter layer of leaf mulch, and look what revealed itself underneath! It’s white because it had been covered by mulch, but I suspect it will turn green as it grows and is exposed to light.
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Rabbit
Rabbit!
Rabbit!!
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Our low last night on the Eastside of Seattle was 37, but we’re predicted to hit 62 for a high today. Predictions say we’ll have highs in the low 60s throughout the weekend, but return to highs in the low 50s next week.
That’s a long run for us for False Spring. It will be interesting to see what is predicted for later in March. I’m itching to start working the soil in my raised beds.
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On 2/23/2025 at 2:51 PM, HomeinKS said:
That is a nice size food pantry! Do you live somewhere where it won't freeze?
Here between President's Day and the snow and cold weather a lot of kids only had one day of school last week. Starting to feel like spring now though!Here on the Eastside of Seattle we can drop into the teens, but we typically average overnight lows in the high 20s and they only last a week or so. The food seems to weather the cold OK, as far as I know.
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I have a friend who is planning to move across the country at the end of next month. She has a lot of canned goods she’s not planning on taking with her. I saw a photo the other day the free pantry at one of the churches in Kirkland showing it could use some donations.
I also went through some of my shelved food stuffs I wasn’t using, packed them up and picked up some goods from my friend. I then made my first donation at the pantry. Here’s hoping I did it right.
I’ll probably make a stop once a week until my friend’s back stock is diminished.
The outside of the pantry at Holy Spirit.
What I found when I first opened it.
And a few non food items on the bottom.
After I added the items I brought. I hope some of these items will fill needy bellies.
A lot of these foods need a can opener. Not that I can afford it, but if I could find a deal on bulk inexpensive manual can openers, like at least 100 but no more than $20 for them, I might order some to donate along with the canned goods.
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I just returned from the Galentines Day bake off competition where I entered the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberries that had the lumpy batter. Long story short, I didn’t win my category, even though I had a 50/50 chance as there were only two entries.
Read the captions on the photos for details, including what the head judge told me as to why I didn’t win.
As a reminder, here’s the practice cheesecake I made last week.
This is the entry cheesecake immediately after decorating it. I tried a different method of piping the lemon curd which worked even less well, so I won’t do that method again. However, I think increasing the size of the heart definitely helped to define its shape better than the smaller one.
Because the piping was so terrible, I decided to dress up the sides by adding miniature candy hearts to the sides. I think it definitely looks pretty…
Here’s how I displayed the cheesecake at the competition.
We had to display our cakes by 12:30 PM with the winners scheduled to be announced at 3:00 PM. I used the lid of the inexpensive Dollar Tree cake carrier to hold ice so the cheesecake could sit out without being refrigerated.
My only competition in the cake category. Obviously a carrot cake by someone much better at decorating than I am.
This carrot cake won my category. It definitely looks luscious!
What the head judge told me “off the record” after the competition ended was that the flavor and texture of the cheesecake itself was spot on. There was no evidence of the lumpy batter (yay!). If I had left it at that, I would have edged out the carrot cake to win.
However, while the judges appreciated the color and look of the candy hearts on the sides of the cheesecake, they said the candies did not soften at all and that the crunch detracted from the smoothness of the rest of the bite. For that choice, they awarded it to the carrot cake.
I had fun preparing, entertaining, and attending this event, though. I appreciate everyone’s input on the flavor choice and decoratingg ideas. I think I’ll definitely enter again if it’s held again next year!
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I decided to do the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberries for the bake-off. I’m very glad I did a practice run; several of my experiments did not work out.
Fresh out of the Instant Pot and topped with sweetened sour cream and zest.
The first lesson learned was to not use parchment paper around the sides. I thought it would help the sides look smooth rather than blurry, but the sides actually came out pocked as I pulled the parchment away.
Removed from the push pan and plated for the three day rest.
After “aging” for three days and ready to be decorated.
I’m really terrible at decorating. This was taken immediately after decorating. Lessons learned here is to use a narrower tip to pipe the lemon curd, define the shape of the heart more with the whole blueberries flooding with the pie filling, and to not use the candies Meyer lemons at all. Their texture does not compliment the cheesecake at all.
The decorated cheesecake after being refrigerated for a couple of hours. I think I’ll also make the heart in the middle a touch larger, to emphasize the shape more.
One last top view before slicing.
An interior view and three slices.
I tried to a blueberry pie filling swirl, but the filling all sank to the bottom and made the crust a bit soggy. I saw a technique where one takes half the batter and flavors it, fill the pan with alternating scoops of the batters, and then swirl it together. I was concerned that method would turn the entire cheesecake purple, but it has to work better than what I did.
Now to decide if I want to experiment doing it that way on my entry cheesecake, or leave out the swirl completely.
A close up of a slice.
Lessons learned from this practice run:
If trying to swirl, use the half and half method and hope for the best since I don’t have the funds to do a second practice run.
Do not use parchment around the sides of the push pan for a cleaner edge.
Enlarge the heart in the center.
Do not use candied lemon slices for decorating.
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Eek!
I’m a day late!!!
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Prepare yourself!
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21 hours ago, magickallight said:
For many years, I had no idea what time of day I was born. I had misplaced my original microfiche birth certificate and the replacement I received from the City of New York did not record the time of birth, only the date.
This past year I finally found the way to order another official City of New York birth certificate which does include the time of birth. It turns out I was born in the early morning hours on the 21st of January in 1960, which apparently matches this year’s Hebrew calendar. So, prior to sunset today, my secular and Hebrew birthdays match up.
From posts I have seen from others, it is apparently customary to wish others well on ones Hebrew birthday. I’m a few hours late, but even so I wish for all of you health, peace, and fulfillment. May you find your bliss and joy in the year ahead, and may it carry you through any challenges forthcoming.
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On 1/18/2025 at 11:01 PM, HomeinKS said:
Let us know which one you picked and how it went! They all look amazing. I would personally prefer a chocolate without peanut butter or lemon.
From input I’ve received in various places, I’m going to go with the lemon blueberry. I’ve made it before and have more confidence than with going with completely new flavors.
I’ll do a practice one in the next two weeks; someone suggested I swirl blueberry into the batter. I have a decent homemade blueberry pie filling I can leave the uncooked blueberries out of which I think will swirl nicely, and then I can use it in addition to the lemon curd for decorating. The practice one will test how the swirl works out, how it tastes and then to practice my decoration ideas.
20 hours ago, HanShotFirst said:I was the same way until I put my big girl panties on tried a piece at The Cheesecake Factory. I don’t eat it from anywhere else.
Ah…
You probably would not care for mine then. I’m completely the opposite. I much prefer the style and texture of the cheesecakes made in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan in the mid 20th century; Cheesecake Factory’s are tasty, but they’re too light and fluffy for me. Mine are the denser, heavier Jewish delicatessen-style cheesecake.
The competition is on February 8th, so I have time to hone it in.
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So, if one were to be considering entering a local amateur baking contest with a cheesecake, what flavor cheesecake would best appeal to a variety of judges one knows nothing about?
Stick to the basics and do a plain New York with a homemade fruit topping?
Freshen it up a little with a Meyer Lemon Cheesecake served with homemade lemon curd?
Go indulgent with a white and milk chocolate peanut butter cup cheesecake?
Maybe add a touch of coconut with a Samoan cheesecake?
A childhood classic of a Cookies and Cream cheesecake?(no photo at this time)
A Pumpkin cheesecake?
Chocolate cheesecake with fresh strawberries?
Possibly a savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake?
Or maybe a flavor I haven’t considered that would earn the judges accolades?(all of these were made by me in the past)
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Happy Epiphany/Three Kings Day/Little Christmas
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So…
The past three days have been busy with bureaucracy dealings. As this is my birthday month where I’m turning 65, I am transitioning from Washington State Classic Medicaid for Adults, known as Apple Health to Medicare with Washington State Senior Classic Medicaid as my Medigap coverage.Unfortunately, while I wanted to avoid Medicare Advantage Plans at all costs, I could not find a Part D plan which had my walking chemotherapy in their formulary at a premium and copay I could afford, even with Extra Help. I’m now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan starting next month. After investigating, I went with the plan which also has provided my Medicaid Managed Care Plan for all these years since I moved to Washington.
Unfortunately, I do have several specialists I may need to change, particularly my original breast surgeon who I see for annual follow ups and my dentist, but it appears as if all of my other doctors are in plan.
Except for my allergy medication, which is a prescribed version of Zyrtec, all of my medications, including my chemo, is in this plan’s formulary. Hopefully the transition will go fairly smoothly.
I’m used to being on a Managed Care Plan, and have actually been very happy with all of the doctors and specialists who have seen me. I’m going into this Advantage Plan hoping the experience will be similar.
All that said to explain why I am a few days late with posting this gif. I have either been in the DSHS offices or on the phone with Medicare and Apple Health choosing plans and figuring out how this transitional month between Apple Health and the Advantage Plan will work, especially in getting my monthly multi-thousand dollar chemotherapy refill.
Happy Birthday Month to me!
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חנוכה שמח!
Happy Hanukkah!
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Rabbit
Rabbit!
Rabbit!!
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As we reflect on this past year, I still wish one and all that the New Year will be…
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Happy Hanukkah!
There is sound, but I light the candles first. -
A lovely end to Advent and entrance to Christmas. I remember this.
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My plans for the next couple of days. More for myself so I hopefully don’t forget anything.Today:Get up and have coffee to functionStart the “oxtail” au jus, although I use beef shank bones rather than oxtail. For less than half the price per pound, the shank bones work greatBeorn’s Hanukkah gift finally arrived and his holiday package is ready to be mailed. Stand in line at post office while au jus gently simmers and reducesMake copycat Arby’s horsey sauceCool: au jus and refrigerateMake béchamel for incorporating into dinnerLayer and then bake lasagna for dinnerEnjoy lasagna for dinnerPut together and refrigerate overnight french toast casserole for brunch Wednesday morningMake garlic and herb paste to season standing rib roast overnight, then apply to roastPut individual apple sauce cups in refrigerator to chillTomorrow:Get up and have coffee to functionListen for others to awake, if not already. Pull french toast casserole out of refrigerator to take the chill off while preheating oven and opening stockings, if we’re doing themBake casserole while opening giftsServe french toast casserole and have second cuppaSince it gets dark so early, light Hanukkiah and gift Hanukkah presentsMake note of time and start reverse sear process on roast at appropriate timeGrate potatoes and onion for latkesPrep honey-maple glazed carrotsPull roast from oven to restClear Hanukkiah from table and set for dinnerStart carrots and finish au jus about half an hour before final searPreheat oven to 550 degrees FMake latke batter and heat oil for cookingBrush herbs off roast so they don’t burn and turn acrid during searMake latkes and put roast back in oven for 10 to 15 minutesRemove roast, turn off oven, and put plated latkes in cooling oven to stay warmPut au jus, horsey sauce, apple sauce, and sour cream on table if not already doneSlice roast, plate carrots and latkes, and serveRelax, possibly enjoying any received giftsEnjoy Brenda’s homemade pumpkin pie!Thursday:Relax, until last minute notice of errands needing to be done is receivedEnjoy any planned oversPackage what’s left of the roast and freeze to be pulled for beef stroganoff on either NYE or NYD, depending on what we choose to doLight second night Hanukkiah candlesSunday:Attend giant menorah lighting by CHABAD of Kirkland at Totem LakeAt some point later during the following week, possibly on NYE or NYD, try my hand at sufganiyot
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Definitely time for Sir Patrick Stewart reading A Christmas Carol to take center stage.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLLiEya-Q4RR9U-s18jp6l4XgjPX16oAK&si=gp8tLwxYTyW3-4lR -
For the holiday season. Symphony North - The Bell Ringer. I listen on YouTube.
Recorded during lockdown, there are two versions:Full band playthrough:
or the version I prefer…
Full band play through with story narration between songs to tell the full concept:
While not flashy like Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s live shows, the approach is the same. A Christmas-themed tale with rock music, including both original rock songs and classic Christmas carols done in a rock style.
While a rock album, like T-SO it is very musical theater in approach. I definitely enjoy it at Christmas.
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GottaDEAL 2025 Prize Club Discussion Thread
in Black Friday 2025
Posted