White Christmas

We had a white Christmas, which does not happen often around here. Growing up in Michigan, I cannot remember a Christmas that was not white. I was thrilled this year with the ample snow. Per usual, I insisted on enjoying the snow. I expounded its virtues to anyone that would listen, and there are few Daytonians who agree with my assessment of snow. Proclamations of "Snowmageddon" and "Snowpocalypse" are frequent. I cheerfully ignored all the naysayers, determined to enjoy snow. Thank goodness, too. Or else I would have missed this amazing scenery.

Buddy really enjoyed the snow. He frolicked, found sticks, and even attempted to jump out on the ice.

At lunch last week, my mother-in-law was adamant that snow was an evil inconvenience, and that it shouldn't exist at all. I reasoned that if it wasn't snowing, it would be raining. And rain could not look this beautiful:

She reluctantly agreed.

Happy Christmas!

I hope you're having a happy Christmas. I'm baking away, and enjoying a blissfully quiet Christmas Holiday with Mr. Radar.

He's taken leave (doesn't happen often, trust me), so expect a bit of quiet from me over the next 4-5 days. I'd love to enjoy my holiday with the #1 man in my heart.

Now go eat something delicious!

Preferable this or this . Homemade Butterbeer, yes please!

PS: Next week, my Granny's legendary, super secret Custard Nog recipe, especially for New Year's Eve. Best served with Bourbon.

Dear Mr. Radar: Happy Anniversary.

Happy Anniversary. We've been married two years now, and I'm more in love with you than ever.

And I love you so much that sometimes my heart aches. No matter how many oceans are between us, I know always, that you are mine.

You are a better husband that you know. When I want to give up, you gently nudge me forward. Reassuring me that, no, I am not a failure. You are patient when I am frustrated. Kind when I am wracked with anger.

You do not laugh at my crazy ideas. Even though, generally, they are crazy. You have never limited my imagination, always believing in the possibility of my dreams.

Before I met you, I defined my life by accomplishments. How much I learned, always pushing to be bigger and better. But life, as you taught me, is not about how much you do. Life is about how much you love.

And my love for you could span the globe one hundred times.

*All photos by the lovely and talented Faye Sommer

Holiday Loves: For the Homebody

You may have noticed that these lists oddly resemble the two main protagonists of this blog: Mr. Radar and me, Hilary Bee. It's true. I want everything on this list and I'll bet you will find something to like, too. Do you have any special holiday wishes? I wish for a holiday season full of of hugs, mugs of hot tea and warm cocoa, cookies and fudge, some extra coal (for warmth, like the bookkeepers in A Christmas Carol). Maybe the thing you're wishing for is on this list.


10. Morning Glory Bib Apron
I have to have a bib apron. I always spill on my front when baking, and a half apron just doesn't cut the mustard.

Pamwares Etsy Shop

9. Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
Warm up your insides with this divine tea. The decorative tin makes a beautiful stocking stuffer.

Harney & Sons Tea

8. Zhena Gypsy Tea Coconut Chai Tea
I know what you are thinking. I must be nuts to want this much tea. But I drink a LOT of tea. And this Coconut Chai Tea is the perfect, cozy cup.

Zhena's Gypsy Tea

7. Hilary Bee's Pizzelle Cookies
To go with all that tea. Not too sweet, the perfect accompaniment to tea or espresso.


6. The Blessings of the Animals, by Katrina Kittle
Katrina is Dayton based, and was kind enough to come to the South Park book club! This has been on my reading list for a long time. My goal is to finish it by January.

At Amazon

5.Glitter and Felt Acorns
Perfect for the Christmas tree. We haven't trimmed our tree yet- we usually trim it on December 13, our wedding anniversary.

AnnaBelle Arts

4. Sufjan Stevens Songs for Christmas
Easily one of my Christmas albums. If you like this album, check out his love letter to Michigan or his newest, Age of Adz.

Via Asthmatic Kitty Records

3.Bamboo Radio
Listen to NPR any time with this beauty. If I had this, I'd tuck it under my pillow, and listen to Ira Glass streaming into my ear.
The Conran Shop


2.I Heart Michigan. And Ohio.
My two great loves, Michigan and Ohio. Reverent of my past, hopeful for my future.


From Truche

1.Around my French Table
Cookbooks are the gifts that keep giving! I got Dorie's Baking, from My Home to Yours for my birthday. I've tested several recipes from French Table- and they are great. Dorie does not disappoint.

Amazon

Holiday Loves: For Your Geeky Guy

What are you loving this holiday season? Over the next few posts, I'm going to share my holiday loves (both tangible and not) with you. First, gifts for your geeky guy (if you are lucky enough to have one like me).

10. iPhone/iPod Woodtec Docking Station

via Woodtec on Etsy

9. Logitech 750i Master System
For urban nerds, the wannabe spy and/or safety obsessed. Sheldon Cooper would want this.

Via Unplggd

8. Hilary Bee's 3C's Granola Bars
Sustenance for the busy engineer. (Nothing like a little self promotion, right?)


7. The Chillpill
Two speakers, that click into each other. Inexpensive and Super cool, for the traveling geek.

Chillpill Audio found locally at MacTown

6. A Trip to Handmade Holiday Dayton
Local fun, with handmade arts, toys, crafts, and food. Every nerd needs a little fored socialization.


5. BookBook Case

By 12South

4. TRON Legacy
Even Mr. Radar wants to see it, and he hates action movies.


3.Quirky Digits Pins
Just pin to your favorite gloves, and iPhone, iTouch, iPad away. Cheap, too!


2. Just Mobile AluPen for iPad
So you don't get sticky baker fingers all over the pretty iPad screen. I don't know anybody that might have sticky fingers...

Via MobileMag- they have a very helpful reviews, too. Maybe you need a little advice for the Geek you love?

1. iPad
Mr. Radar is the biggest Apple fan out there. This is the ultimate nerd gift.

via Geeky Gadgets

Hilary Bee Homemade Goods Now Available!

Hello, Friends! After years of baking goods for my friends and family, I decided to dip my toe into the baking world this year. I'm starting small, but with your help, I would love to build my way into a bigger business. For this holiday season, my baked goods will be available for direct order via e-mail. I would like to expand my operation to Etsy and Farmer's Markets in the coming year. Download the HilaryBee 2010 Catalog Here.

I will be offering:

Chocolate Gingerbread Mini Cake-Christmas in a cake. Fresh ginger, molasses, and chocolate chunks come together in this petite loaf. Drizzled with a decadent chocolate frosting.
Cake Pops-Cake bites on a stick, lovingly decorated for the holidays. Red velvet, chocolate, or yellow.
Pizzelle-The snowflake cookie from the Abruzzo region of Italy. Crispy, light, and not too sweet. Made to my Aunt Virginia's specifications. Choose from Vanilla, Amaretto, or Orange.
Double Decker Brownies-Half gooey brownie, half soft chocolate chip cookie. So good it should be illegal.
3C's Granola Bars-Granola goes gourmet. Dark chocolate paired with cashews and tart cherries. A delicious, but not sinful combination. Vegan.
The Works Holiday Basket- Beautifully decorated and filled to the brim with goodies. Two mini Chocolate Gingerbread Cakes, two Double Decker Brownies, six Pizzelle Cookies in an assortment of flavors, four 3C's Granola Bars, and a bouquet of six cake pops in assorted flavors.

Check out my catalog and please contact me via e-mail at hilarybee101@gmail.com if you are interested!

What to Eat When You Have a Cold

Do you have a cold? I do. It's about the right time for me- usually I get colds in late October. It didn't happen, so I knew the cold monster was gunning for me. This soup, Cider Onion Soup, is perfect for when you have a cold. I know, it's not chicken soup. Chicken soup, as prescribed by your mother or the food industrial complex is fine. But this soup is better. And it's vegetarian, because you know that's how I roll.

Molly Watson, over at The Diner Files, invented this soup last year. I had it then, and it has evolved into one of the favored meals at my house. I've added some sage croutons and thrown in some gruyere shavings. You'll like it, I promise.
Cider Onion Soup with Sage Croutons and Gruyere
Serves 4 first course servings; two dinner servings. (I'm lazy and don't make side dishes, so there are usually no leftovers of this soup).

For the soup:
4-5 medium size yellow cooking onions, thinly sliced
1 cup of dry, hard apple cider
3 cups vegetable stock (low salt, please)
2-3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 whole sage leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste

For the croutons:
About two cups day-old bread, cut into bite size chunks
1 tablespoon butter
2 sage leaves, minced

Gruyere Shavings (as you like, I like lots of cheese).

First, heat oven to 400. Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium pot. Add the onions and whole sage leaves. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions do not stick to the bottom. In a saute pan, melt the butter for the croutons. (I would use medium heat). Add the sage as the butter browns. Add the bread, and stir to ensure even coating of butter and sage. Place the croutons on a baking sheet, and bake at 400 for about 5-6 minutes. Stir the croutons to ensure they are not burnt. If they are not a deep brown color, put them back in the oven for another 3-4 minutes.

Meanwhile, the onion should be caramelizing. This does take a while, about 30-40 minutes. They could go longer, depending on your patience. I'm never patient enough to get them to a deep, deep brown. Make sure the onions are at least golden before starting the soup. When the onions are caramelized to your liking, add the cider and bring to a boil. Then add the stock and black pepper. Allow to simmer for another 15 minutes.

Top the soup with the croutons and cheese. Serve and relax.