Slainte

So much to catch up on since my last post...These past two weeks have been a crazy ride. Leaving off last time in a quest to try an old recipe that has been sitting in my cookbook binder for about 2 years. I had cut the recipe out of an issue of Vegetarian Times and I had been dying to try it, but I did not own a doughnut pan. Oh, by the way, the recipe was for Vegan Apple Cider Doughnuts. I had literally searched high and low for a doughnut pan. Rummaging through every cooking supply store in the DC area to no avail. Then about three weeks ago I stroll into Crate and Barrel on a rainy day after church and it was as if the clouds parted and the sun was shining down on these beautiful pans!

Not only did they have doughnut pans, but they also had mini-doughnut pans. I am a sucker for small things (I think I get this from my friend Beth, who has an affinity to buy things in their smallest form) but I held myself back and only purchased one. Now I was fully equipped to try out this recipe. Have you ever been hoping to try a recipe and you build up all of your expectations convincing yourself that it is going to be the best thing you have ever made?? Well imagine having a recipe brewing for 2 years. Nothing, not even Dunkin Doughnuts itself could live up to the expectations I had for this recipe.

But, I was determined to go for it. And since my lovely friend Kym was willing to try out my baking skills, I went to work.

You will notice that I have not included a picture of the finished product. That is because I just couldn't bear to admit complete failure. The doughnuts were a crash and burn, a disaster really. They were chewy instead of caky. They were tangy instead of sweet. There were no real redeeming qualities. But you live and you learn (and then get hugs---funny, no I didn't think so). I am attaching the recipe just to remind myself when looking for new and delicious doughnut recipes what not to do. Vegan Apple Cider Doughnuts
With the bad comes the good...that is the saying right??? Well since enjoying a lovely visit with Kym and rocking out to some Scythian and Dropkick Murphy's, I have been one busy lady. I flew out to beautiful San Francisco for the International Health, Racquetball, & Sportsclub Associations annual conference for work. I spent the week learning all the new tricks of the trade, what the newest and best fitness equipment was (and no the shake weight is not a legitimate piece of equipment; it was the running joke throughout the conference), and listening to some amazing speakers. Just to name a few, Dr. Regina Benjamin (US Surgeon General), Phil Keoghan (host of the Amazing Race), Daniel Pink (former Clinton speech writer), and Tony Hseih (CEO of Zappos.com). What an amazing experience to be completely engulfed in all that the fitness industry has to offer surrounded by like minded individuals. It was truly a great opportunity that offered a wealth of knowledge for me to bring home. And to top it all off I rocked out to Sugar Ray front row, and even sang into Mark McGrath's microphone while dancing with the Surgeon General. Now, how many people can say that?
Upon my return home I spent this past week catching up at work and at home. Last night I hosted a Post Patty's Day dinner party with some great friends.

And since this is a food blog I'll let you in on the menu.  We enjoyed homemade Irish Soda Bread (recipe included in my last post), Potato Leek Soup (my grandmother's recipe), Reuben Sandwiches, Asparagus Gruyere Tart, Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce, and to round out with dessert Chocolate Orange Guinness Cake. The two new recipes I have linked up. The asparagus tart was a home run in my opinion, thank you Martha again! It was the perfect pairing of crisp puff pastry, fresh asparagus, and mild gruyere cheese. The chocolate orange guinness cake was not a complete disaster but definitely could not compare to my classic Guinness Chocolate Cake with chocolate ganache icing that I have made in years past. The cake was very dense and the frosting couldn't compare to last posts cream cheese frosting. The evening overall was a hit. It was great to have friends over to enjoy some food, drink, good conversation, and a rocking game of 3-rounds.
Big changes are coming for me in the next few weeks. All very exciting! 2011 really is going to be my year. Slainte!! (cheers)