One-A-Day 12/16/09 – Beanz’ Rainbow Cookies

Hey Folks, I’m glad the feedback and e-mail on “The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen” has been all very festive and all of it has been nothing but positive. That being said, my amazing and awesome partner in crime, Beanz, has given us our own little holiday cheer and set of goodies. After months of prying, asking , questioning and hoping, we’ve finally got the recipe. You guessed it, her super delicious Rainbow Cookies Recipe is here:

RAINBOW COOKIES

Ingredients: 

Cake:

12 Oz Almond Paste

3 Sticks Salted Butter (Room Temp.)

1 Cup Sugar

4 Eggs Separated

1 Tbsp Almond Extract

2 Cup Flour

Food Coloring 

Filling:

1 Large Seedless Raspberry Preserves (I use Polaner)

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

2 Tbsp Orange Juice

2 Tbsp Vodka (Optional)

12 oz. bag Semi-Sweet Morsels

3- 9×13 Pans (shallow) 

1.    Break almond paste up into small pieces and then beat with egg yolks.

(I suggest using a stand mixer if you have one.  While working with the dough part you have to stop between steps and scrap down the sides to make sure everything gets combined.) 

2.    Add softened butter, sugar, and almond paste. Mix well.

3.    Slowly add flour and mix well.

4.    In a separate bowl beat egg whites and then fold into mixture.

5.    Divide mixture into 3 separate bowls and color each one in whatever color you want. 

Spray pans with cooking spray.  Spread each color in a separate pan. When you spread mix into pans you have to really stretch to get into the corners. 

Bake at 300 for around 20 minutes. Once the tops start to brown a little they are done. Let the layers cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack so they come out easier.  

Put raspberry preserves, orange juice, lemon juice and vodka in a sauce pan over low heat until smooth.  

Flip the first layer onto a cutting board or flat serving platter and spread half of the warm raspberry mixture. Flip the second layer on top and do the same with the remaining preserves. Top with the final layer of cake. Cover with a piece of parchment or wax paper. Place cookie sheet on top and add some heavy pots and let sit for at least 1 hour. The warm jam will soak into the layers of cake and hold them together.  

Melt chocolate chips and spread onto top and sides of layers, and cover with chocolate sprinkles. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into 1” squares.  Don’t cut too soon though or the chocolate will run into the sides and ruin the rainbow.

Have A Wonderful Christmas Season !!!

-Hatter (& Beanz)

12/15/09 – A Holiday To Do…From Sharon (Huntsville, AL)

Hey Readers, Followers & Fans,

A few weeks ago, Hatter & Beanz posted a directory listing of Soup Kitchens, Shelters and Food Pantry’s for the less fortunate. Yesterday I received an e-mail from a woman who is changing the face of mankind, one person at a time. Her name is Sharon, and her organization is “The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen” located down in Huntsville, Alabama. The email was calling upon some folks to get together for what they call “A Random Santa” event. Her “Random Santa” event will be held on Saturday Dec. 19th at 10 am. The event is built on the basis of gathering up toys and goods for a needy family and knocking on their door to distribute these items. That being said, we at Hatter & Beanz fully endorse this method of charity and hope that all of our fan base can participate in something for the less fortunate this holiday season.We’d like you all to keep in mind that even though we endorse food, recipes, great restaurants, and awesome people there’s always someone out there that may need the food we’re blessed to have each night  just a little bit more than we do. So if you’re in the Huntsville, AL area this weekend or any weekend stop in and see Sharon, and see what you can do to help. “The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen” is located at 2412 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville, AL 35810 and the number is (256) 536-2970. Have A Wonderful Christmas Season !!!

-Hatter

12/11/09 – Featured Merchant – Angie’s List – 877.556.3254

Hey Folks Happy Friday,

I’ve done some thinking and couldn’t wait until next week to tell you about our latest featured merchant. This week’s featured merchant is Angie’s List. Move over Craig, Angie’s List is coming to a town near you. The folks at Angie’s List note that “More than a million members use Angie’s List to find high quality service companies and health care professionals in over 450 categories. From plumbers and painters to dentists and dermatologists, reviews come directly from homeowners in your area”. The folks at Angie’s list can also be reached by phone at 877-556-3254. All you do is give them a call, and ask them to find what you are looking for. Just think it’s a 411 service that doesn’t charge you for directory assistance.

The other day I was looking for a bakery in my area and not only did Angie’s help me, they even gave me a rating for the Top 3 in the Southern region of Queens, NY. How about those apples, folks?  I hope you are enjoying your holiday season, only 14 more days until Christmas.

-Hatter

One-A-Day 12/03/09 – What To Do With That Scrappy Cocoa

Hey Folks, I’m Back From My Two Day or So Hiatus With Something To Spruce Things Up. Today is December 3rd, and in New York City it’s roughly 65 degrees, let me repeat, today is December 3rd and in New York City it’s roughly 65 degrees. I have no idea what cycle Mother Nature is on, but it needs to stop because I need my Snow, and my Ice and my Wonderful Winter Weather that makes me the New Yorker that I am. That being said, and with the Christmas season upon us here’s one for the Adults.

We’re Going To Enhance Our Holiday Hot chocolates A Bit…Ready, Set..GOOOOO !!!!

Here’s What We’ll Need:

• (1) 8oz. Mug of Hot chocolate  (any kind works I prefer Swiss Miss©)
• (1) 1oz. of Romana Sambuca©
• (1) 0.5oz of Dark chocolate Shavings (you can find these in your local Market or Bakery)
• (1) 0.5 tsp of Spicy Cocoa Powder  (again, this can be found at your local Fresh Direct© or A&P©)

So the mixture is super simple (since we like things kept that way around here) and takes less than 30 seconds, here’s what you’ll need to do. In your mug of hot chocolate, sprinkle your Spicy Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate Shavings in. Then stir for about 10 seconds. After that, add your 1oz. of Sambuca then stir for 20 seconds. Sip and Drink casually, Enjoy !!

-Hatter

Blog Updates

Hey Folks,

Just another night of fun and exciting updates. While I was sitting here playing Farmville on Facebook (and adopting Pink Cows lol) I added a new page to the Blog. It’s A Link Page, that is still in the works. I’m adding all of my favorite retail links to it, so feel free to browse and shop and improve that task of holiday present gathering. Feel free to comment with any suggestions as well.

Have A Great Weekend !!!

-Hatter