Archive for January, 2009

St. Paul Grill

On a whim, we decided to drive downtown to the St. Paul Grill yesterday for an extravagant dinner. We eat out quite often, but not to the extent we did last night! This time around, we got a booth near the windows, which overlooked the gorgeous ice sculptures of the Winter Carnival and light-strung trees in the square.

We had quite possibly the best bottle of wine I’ve ever encountered - I don’t recall the exact name/year, but it was a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Delicious! And apparently Willamette is where it’s at for Pinots.

For starters, we ordered the Hot Peppered Shrimp appetizer. It’s a cajun grilled shrimp with a dark, tangy sauce. Wonderful! Came with four jumbo-sized shrimp.

Our entrées were wonderfully prepared and were just the right portions. My partner ended up ordering the Roasted Beef Tenderloin meal, which comes with mashed potatoes. I tasted it - the meat was absolutely tender and very tasty.

I wanted lobster, so I ate the entire 10-oz Australian Lobster Tail. Since we weren’t getting a side to share, I also got the Grilled Asparagus & Prosciutto Salad, which also sported fresh mozzarella, tomatoes marinated in basil and tossed with a lime and herb vinaigrette. It was, quite possibly, the best salad I’ve ever wrapped my lips around!

My compliments to the chef at the St. Paul Grill - random spendy dinner out was a huge success!

Add comment January 29th, 2009

Valentine’s Day Cutout Cookies

These are the best sugar cookies ever (assuming you like soft, chewy ones, that is). Originated in my recipe book as a Valentine’s Day confection, but perfect for any season that calls for cutouts.

Ingredients:

2/3 c. shortening
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. flour
4 tsp. milk
1 egg

Directions:

  • Thoroughly cream sugar and shortening
  • Add egg
  • Beat until mixture is light and fluffy
  • Add vanilla and mix thoroughly
  • Stir dry ingredients, together with milk, and add to creamed mixture
  • Mix well
  • Divide dough in half
  • Chill for 1 hour
  • Roll out half of dough 1/8″ thick. Keep other half chilled
  • Cut and place on greased cookie sheet
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes
  • Allow to cool and ice with buttercream frosting

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Add comment January 3rd, 2009


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