Monday, December 31, 2007

Pumpkin cheesecake

This is a variation of a recipe I originally found in Gourmet magazine in I believe, 1990.
The first couple of times I made this cheesecake I followed the recipe exactly, until I had to make a cheesecake for a work function and couldn't locate it, so I decided to fall back on my culinary roots and improvise. That led to the development of what I call my "basic batter" recipe that can be tweaked to create all sorts of different cheesecakes.
I've included a link to the original here - Pumpkin Cheesecake with Bourbon Sourcream topping.

Andrea, I have no way of knowing whether you're going to enjoy cooking as I do - regardless, it's honestly going to be a few years before you're going to want to tackle this, as the first couple of times, it's an honest to God pain in the ass to make.

Should you want to make a variant, I'm going to also give you the recipe for what I call my "basic batter" - it works as a stand alone, but it also lends itself to the addition of everything from fruit to chocolate.

The basic recipe:
4 packs of cream cheese, allowed to come to room temperature.
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups of sugar
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
(note: to make a New York style cheesecake, add 8 oz sour cream)

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth. (I use a hand mixer, but if you're lucky enough to have my dream mixer, the KitchenAid, you'll find it goes much easier)
Add any other ingredients you want, such as frozen fruit, chocolate chips, etc, and pour into the springform pan that you've prepped with a crust.
Bake at 350 for at least an hour to an hour and a half, or until the center is set.
Turn off the oven, crack the door and let it cool for an hour before removing, then let cool further on the counter before putting in the refrigerator.
Let it set overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

That's it.
I promise over the years, you'll have the chance to sample this many times, and I hope I'm lucky enough to be around when you try to make this yourself. I love you!
Oh, and one other piece of advice - don't let Grandpa Don in the kitchen when you're trying to make this. He just gets in the way.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas 2007 pics




This, of course, is your Grandpa Don.
The gentleman to the left is your Uncle Bobby.





This is your Aunt Sheba and Uncle Bobby, also known as De Wabbit or Rabbit.


Don't believe what your Aunt Sheba says about your Grandpa Don and I selling her to your Uncle Bobby for a 386 motherboard.


Neither Grandpa Don nor I know anything about what she's saying.


That's our story and we're sticking to it.





Christmas 2007 Dinner - Liftoff


Dinner went off perfectly - as you can see in the picture above, I ended up making roasted brussel sprouts, cauliflower, scalloped potatoes, the rib roast, stewed mushrooms, rolls, and pumpkin cheesecake.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas 2007 Dinner - countdown

It's 12:15p Christmas Day, 2007 - company's due to arrive starting at 3ish, with dinner at around 5:30.
Right now, I'm being very bad and having 2 cups of leaded coffee (okay, probably 3) prior to starting the prep for the meal.
First on the agenda, getting the potatoes prepped. The recipe I'm using for the scalloped potatoes calls for peeled potatoes, however I prefer skin on, so that's how they're getting done. Thankfully, I have a mandoline, so prep for the scalloped potatoes will be a breeze.
Then, it'll be time to get the roast in and start on the brussel sprouts.
Once they're prepped, I'll tackle the cauliflower - I'm debating doing it whole head vs. bite size pieces - I guess I'll decide that shortly.
Pull out the dinner roll dough from the freezer and get them rising, then start the salad prep.

You see Andrea, all those years I spent in restaurant kitchens pays off - I can still pull off something like this dinner with excellent timing.

Plans are to start with a few "nummies for the tummies" as we call them, in this case it's St Brendan's Irish Liquer - and some minor munchies and a quick social call on one of the neighbors, Renee.
Okay, coffee cup's empty now so it's time to start prepping.
More later.

Christmas 2007

Okay, it's time you were introduced to one of my favorite soapbox topics, Christmas.
I was raised Jewish, however since I consider myself neo-pagan, and I've never been Christian, I have a respect for Christmas as a holiday, but don't really go out of my way to celebrate it - there are exceptions such as this year, when I worked the day before and the day after, and everyone just happened to be staying in town, so I grabbed the opportunity to cook Christmas dinner.
Anyway, this isn't about that - this is about what happened at work today - I brought in presents for a couple of people - I created some gift bags with various "spa" products, and got a lap blanket for another person, my supervisor got a gift card.
I passed out cards to other people, and gave them a little beanie bear Santa -
I gave the presents, and each one of them said "oh now I have to get you something" - which drives me nuts.
I didn't give you something so that you would go out and buy me something - I gave you a gift because I wanted to. I gave you something because I think you need a smile. I gave you something because I love you. I gave you something for whatever reason it happened to be, but I didn't give you something so you'd give me something back other than a hug or a sincere thank you.
(Except in your case, when I expect a thank you letter or email or phone call)
Remember this when you're dealing with me, Andrea. I'll spoil you rotten, but don't ever expect it from me. I'm not a vending machine, after all.
But wait until you're walking. That's when the fun really begins - you see, your Mom made me promise that I wouldn't send up bears bigger than you until you could walk.
That's how you got a bear collection. The old one is named Pinky, btw. - I don't know what you'll end up calling him.
He was my special friend when I was growing up, and I hope he's yours too - he's from the Sears Roebuck on Ponce De Leon catalog center, circa 1962 - nowadays, that's City Hall here in Atlanta.
He travelled by my side until the 5th grade, when I "outgrew" him.
Well, I never lost him and now he's living with you. I hope you enjoy him as much as I did.
Anyway, I'm rambling now because it's late and I'm tired.
I love you, little darling.

This is Pinky - he's a little worn, but still filled with love.
I hope you love him as much as I did.



Saturday, December 22, 2007

Solstice 2007


Today is December 22nd, aka the Longest Night, aka Yule, Winter Solstice.
Today, the painting got finished and I finally got around to setting up my altar after over a year and a couple months in this space.
Now that I have a decent digital camera, I can take better pictures for upload than on the camera on the phone - so there'll be a photographic record for you too.
That's my altar up there.



Friday, December 21, 2007

Christmas 2007 Dinner

Because of my work schedule, I will be working Christmas Eve, off Christmas Day, and then back to work the 26th.
So what do I decide to do? Cook Christmas Dinner, of course.
Invited are Bobby and Sheba, along with Don and Ian. I'm planning on a rib roast, parmesan garlic potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, whatever inspires me at the Farmer's Market, a salad, and my signature pumpkin cheesecake with bourbon sourcream topping.
I can't wait. I never get to cook for a crowd anymore - I'm looking forward to this.
More as it develops.

Don't believe everything Grandpa Don says

Andrea, here's a tidbit of information that'll do you a lot of good over the years - and the sooner you learn it, the better off you'll be. That information? Your Grandpa Don has the occasional habit of embellishing the truth. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not calling him an outright liar - I'm just saying that sometimes, you have to dig through a mountain of bullshit to find that kernel of truth in something he says.
And don't get me started on his selective hearing.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Miscellaneous chatter

Andrea, you're getting ready to make your appearance in a couple of weeks - your mom says January 18th, but I have a feeling you're holding out for a couple days later, around January 20th, 21st - we'll see.
Don't freak out too badly, you're in Missouri, and it's cold and snowing.
Welcome to the world.
Just so you know, the big fuzzy thing is called a teddy bear.
He's a present from me to you - I'll be seeing you in the spring/early summer, when life becomes somewhat regular there and the snow's melted.
I know you won't remember our first meeting, however I will.
Don't worry, there will be plenty of time for you to get to know me.
I'm looking forward to having a little girl to spoil rotten. I checked the Grandparent handbook, and I get to supply you with the fun stuff, like dolls and tea sets. Or trucks if that's your toy of choice.
I don't care, I just get to spoil you. And then send you back to your parents.
(note to Jessica: I still won't be doing diaper duty.)
(Further note to Jessica: This is why I kept telling you to read my blog - years from now you could be prepared for this.)
So, Andrea, if you're not a Diva, you could have been one. .
Regardless, I know you're a Lady.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Vices (if you can call reading a vice)

One of the things you'll notice about me Andrea, is that I read. A lot.

It's a habit that Sam and Faye encouraged while I was growing up, taking us to the local library for their reading programs during the summer (back then, libraries gave out certificates for reading a set number of books over summer vacation, and both Jolene and I managed to astound more than a few librarians when we'd get 2 and 3 certificates over the summer) and it's a habit that I've never outgrown, or quite frankly, ever seen the need to outgrow. Of course, looking back, it also worked as a way to keep us quiet and out of their hair most of the time.

My taste in literature goes pretty much all over the map (as you'll see when you look over my library), however while there's a decided trend towards SciFi/Fantasy/Horror, I do have other genres I collect as well - but those tend to be author driven rather than content driven.

To cite an example, I don't usually like Mystery/Crime novels, however there are definitely exceptions to that - for example, I happen to enjoy the "Prey" series by John Sandford and have made an effort to collect all of them, as well as a series of novels involving a character named Alex Cross, by James Patterson, and I also enjoy the occasional Ann Rule "true crime" novel.
However, I must confess that of all the books in my collection, there is one author I've been collecting the longest, and that's Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.
I was introduced to her work in 1979, and have been an avid fan ever since.

I hope that you'll be interested in reading as well (I honestly look forward to telling you bedtime stories when you visit) and as you grow older, I'm hoping you learn to look at reading as the joy that it is, not as a chore to be endured. I know your Grandpa Don will agree with that statement.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Snark Fest

This is the first article I've ever linked to, so if it's not there when you click it, Andrea I apologize.
However, this is some of the finest snark I've read in a while, all about the 10 worst movie endings ever - Here's the link - MSN Movies
This critic cuts no slack and serves up some of the best sacred cow burger I've come across in quite a while. Check out his commentary on Spielberg.
Well, that's it, hope the link still works when you read this.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Biologicals, part 2c

In kicking off this search for my biologicals, I have tried to ensure the success of this venture in every way I can think of.
To this end, I have gotten a quote of $1350 from a search agency to find my birth mother.
Since I've only recently requested the information in my file, I have no way of knowing whether there's a no-contact order in place, whether she's registered with the program and is looking for me, or exactly what the situation is.
In speaking with the sales person/case worker for the search service, I did glean more information however; things such as my biological mother's age at the time of my birth was probably between 14 and 19, that indeed, based on my mother's age at the time of my adoption, it had to have been "private".
Infants, especially white infant males didn't get put in households with 50+ year old women as first children, even in the 1960's. And then to follow it up 2.5 years later with a baby girl.
I can remember when she was brought home, and how she was still bleeding from the umbilical cord - Jolene's adoption will have to remain a mystery, since I'm not legally allowed to persue that.
Mine, on the other hand, you'll see unfolding before you.
I guess this is what they mean by a blog evolving.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Dating

Andrea, your Uncle Merlin is a romantic. Not just your garden variety romantic, but what I believe is the last of a dying breed, the Southern Gentleman. I'm unerringly polite, I say "sir" and "ma'am" (and around me you will too. Believe me.) and I have certain standards I adhere to.
What does that have to do with the topic? I'm getting there.
When I ask someone out on a date, especially a first date, I expect that it's a real date. Since I asked them out, I will be providing transportation and activity for the evening, with their only real responsibility allowing me to enjoy their company and see if date #2 is called for.
That's how I was raised. I'm the man, ergo I pay when I ask someone on a date.
Sexist? Sorta, yeah. Do I give a shit? Nope.
The reason for this rant is because I recently encountered shock from someone I asked out when I mentioned these standards - apparently he was expecting to have to go Dutch.
Have standards changed so much? I know I'm old school, but I won't surrender my principles.
Okay, I've vented.

But you're still going to be using "sir" and "ma'am" around me. That's a requirement and simple manners.
But your dating issues are your mother's responsibility - have fun with that.
( guess what chickens have come home to roost, Jess )

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Biologicals, part 2b

Some quick clarifications need to be made - when I paid my $35 fee today for the non-identifying contents of my adoption file, I got to ask a few questions, and this is what I found out.
First off, if there is not a non-disclosure form in the file, then I can pay $300 and they'll find my birth mother and find out whether she will allow contact.
They will also check to see if she registered with them (Georgia Adoption Registry), and if she has, then they will try to set up contact.
Contact. Wow.
Andrea, I don't know if I'm going to be alive when you're capable of really understanding this blog, but this is why I'm writing it. It's both therapeutic for me and hopefully allows you some insight into me. This is really big - and it's something that's going to take months to unfold - but it's something I've put into motion because I simply had to.
Of course, I'm really thinking in terms of contact here - there's always the chance that there's a non-disclosure form in the file or my biologicals don't want to meet me for reasons of their own.
I don't fantasize that I'm going to gain a new family, however I confess to fantasizing about finding genetic siblings - in my eyes that would be so cool - a few years too late, but cool none the less.
So I'm going to hope that either my biological has registered or that there's no non-disclosure in my file - and find out in about 4-6 weeks, just in time for my 47th birthday, and your arrival.

About that - little darling, I hope you'll forgive me for not being there when you arrived, however here's something you'll have discovered for yourself by the time you read this blog - your Uncle Merlin absolutely positively abhors snow and given that you're going to be born in Kansas City, Missouri in the middle of winter, (it's not my fault your parents are heathen savages), 'nuff said.

(Aside to Jessica: I love you darlin' !! *smoooch* )
I've been spoiled by living in Atlanta, where it hardly ever snows - and if it does snow, the city and surrounding areas come to a grinding halt if there's an inch on the ground. Yes, you read that correctly, an inch. Unfortunately, you happen to live in an area that has 3 seasons - winter, tornadoes and road construction. And yes, you detect that note of gloat because I don't have to deal with snow that's measured in feet.
And I won't deal with snow that's measured in feet, either.
Don't worry, you'll love visiting me. I'm fun.
And believe it or not, your Grandfather Don is a hoot.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Biologicals, part 2

Well Andrea, I've started the process to at least get some information about my biologicals. You may wonder why I've been using that term to refer to my genetic parents - the thing is, they're not my real parents, my real parents are Sam and Faye. And nothing can change that. Family comes from where and how and who you love, not genes.
Richard Bach wrote in his book, "Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah" that "it is rare that the members of one family grow up under the same roof."
The family I've "created" is living proof of that - just because we don't share DNA doesn't mean I don't love you like you were my own granddaughter. Never doubt that.
Anyway - back to the subject at hand - I've submitted the initial paperwork, and this is supposed to get me whatever's in my adoption file about my parents non-identifying characteristics.
I'm hoping that it sheds a little more light on the adoption itself, such as how it was achieved.
That is one of my most driving curiousities - I suspect - hell, I actually *expect* that money changed hands for my adoption, what I want to know is who paid for it.
You see, Andrea, Sam was a schoolteacher. And quite frankly, not the best paying job in the world.
On the other hand, all of Faye's siblings had either gone into lucrative careers or married men who did...Pattye married Harry, a CPA; Babe married Milt, an optometrist; Herm was an optometrist, Julius (retired when I was old enough to notice things like this) I believe based on what I can remember of family gossip, had a grocery store at one time and a liquor store at one time.

So, given this data, I theorize that Faye's brothers and sisters pooled their resources and bought me and 2.5 years later, bought Jolene, both to "repay" her for her sacrifices during their childhood (remember, they grew up during the Depression) , the marriages she had helped make, and the fact because she had married so late in life her childbearing years were behind her.

I'll post more about this later.