It's gonna be sunny for the half-marathon.

:)

Running

I have almost been at it for a year. I can honestly say that I LOVE running. It has allowed me time to process my thoughts and run the day's stresses away. I am so grateful for running because I know one day I won't be able to. I continue to push myself and on days that I don't want to run, I don't go for intensity, but for distance.

7 days away from my first attempt at running 13.1.

Excitement!!


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Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

Holiday Creations and Celebrations

Big GUS

Madelines

Hurley Adaptations:

Use a Double Boiler to blend eggs and sugar for 5 minutes on high.

The mixture should be frothy and double in size.

Beat in Vanilla and lemon zest.

Transfer to ice water to cool.

Add butter and stir. Then add flour mixture.

FOLD, do not mix.

Cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes minimum.

Lightly flour Madeline pans. I do not use butter.

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1-cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2-teaspoon baking powder

1/8-teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2/3 cup (133 grams) granulated white sugar

1-teaspoon pure vanilla extract

First, melt the butter and allow it to cool while you make the batter.

In a small bowl place the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk until well blended.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar at medium-high speed until the mixture has tripled in volume and forms a thick ribbon when the beaters are lifted (about 5 minutes).  Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.

Sift a small amount of flour over the egg mixture and, using a large rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the beaten eggs to lighten it.  Sift the rest of the flour over the egg mixture enfolding being sure not to over mix or the batter will deflate. 

Whisk a small amount of the egg mixture into the melted butter to lighten it.  Then fold in the cooled melted butter in three additions.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or several hours, until slightly firm.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).  Generously butter two 12-mold Madeleine pans.  Dust the molds with flour and tap out the excess.  (Could spray pans with Bakers Joy instead.) (Make sure the pans are well greased or the Madeleine’s will stick and be hard to remove.)

Drop a generous tablespoonful of the batter into the center of each prepared mold, leaving the batter mounded in the center.  (This will result in the classic "humped" appearance of the Madeleine’s.)

Bake the Madeleine’s for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.  Do not over bake these cookies or they will be dry.

Remove the pans from the oven and rap each pan sharply against a countertop to release the Madeleine’s.  

Transfer the Madeleine’s, smooth sides down, to wire racks to cool.  The Madeleine’s are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or frozen, well wrapped, for up to 1 month.

When serving dust with confectioners sugar.

Makes about 24 - 3 inch (8 cm) Madeleine’s.

Variation:  Lemon-Poppy Seed Madeleine’s - Substitute 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar for 2/3 cup white sugar, substitute 1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract plus 1 teaspoon finely minced lemon zest for 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and add l tablespoon poppy seeds after adding butter.  Proceed with recipe.

Bittersweet Chocolate Madeleines - Melt 4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (in pieces) in top of double boiler (stainless steel bowl over a saucepan) until melted.  Let cool slightly.  Follow the above recipe but add the melted chocolate to the batter after adding the melted butter.  Proceed with recipe. 

Yesterday, I completed the 3rd leg of the CIM Relay Race. It was so much fun and very inspiring. This was not just a race, but an event. Every part of the race was covered with cheering spectators. Those in the CIM ranged from every shape and size and raced for many causes. One group carried an American flag the whole 26.2 miles. We saw a few who were legally blind, others who wheeled their way to the finish line. It was a gorgeous day and couldn't have been more beautiful.

Team Andrew placed 25 in the women's division and 165 out of 883 relay teams!!!