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Arnold's back in 'The Last Stand'
Sunday, January 20, 2013
"The Last Stand" is the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie you didn't even realize you wanted to see.
Schwarzenegger stars as Ray Owens, sheriff of the tiny Arizona border town of Sommerton Junction, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone and the locals sit around the diner trading folksy jokes. That's why the sheriff is immediately suspicious of some visitors sharing a booth over breakfast one morning -- they clearly don't belong there. Andrew Knauer's script makes some passing mention of Owens' past career as a highly decorated Los Angeles police narcotics detective, which is intended to explain why this mild-mannered guy with the thick accent is such a bad-ass.
His team consists of the innocent newbie (Zach Gilford), the grumpy veteran (Luis Guzman), the pretty and capable female deputy (Jaimie Alexander), her screw-up ex-boyfriend who happens to be in the town's lone jail cell (Rodrigo Santoro) and the wacko with an arsenal who gives his weapons pet names. That would be Knoxville.
"The Last Stand," a Lionsgate release, is rated R for strong, bloody violence throughout and language. Running time: 107 minutes. Three stars out of four.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lisa Arnhold Memorial Recital: The Attacca Quartet
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Ticket Information
FREE tickets will be available beginning April 24 at the Janet and Leonard Kramer Box Office at Juilliard. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM. For further information, call
(212) 769-7406 or go to www.juilliard.edu.
The Attacca Quartet completes its first year as Juilliard's graduate resident quartet and performs in recital on Tuesday, May 8 at 8 PM in Alice Tully Hall. The program features Haydn's String Quartet in F Major, Op. 77, No. 2; Janáček's String Quartet No. 2, "Intimate Letters"; and Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, No. 15. The Attacca Quartet returns to Juilliard in the fall for the second year of their residency.
Haydn: String Quartet, Op. 77, No. 2 in F Major
Janáček: String Quartet No. 2, "Intimate Letters"
Beethoven: String Quartet in A Minor, Opus 132, No. 15


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Banjoverse: The Full Epic
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Adraefan: 16. Down to Ered Lithui
Radagast attempted to rouse them from their melancholy with talk and occasional consolation. But it did little to ease the collective wound.
A large group of horses had returned with Fæstefot, and, after strategies were formulated and executed, four remained to carry the travelers. Radagast rode Fæstefot, while the elves and Boromir took their own mounts. It was decided that the remaining steeds should storm through the Easterling forces from the left flank. They were to be the first charge, the first blow against the Wild Men.
Third One rode in his usual spot in the line, third. His thoughts wandered far and wide, almost as if his mind was adrift on some open, blank sea. He would stare vacantly at Second One's back, thinking dully of some particular Haradrim spice, and be surprised to see Radagast instead of First One at the front of the line. Then, with a sigh and trembling chin, he would bow his head and stare at the horse's mane. First One. Third One did not want the others to see him weep.
They trotted along at a brisk pace. Third One swore that the chill winds breezed straight through his heart. He could feel the tattered remains beating irregularly. And yet even with the pain and the sorrow, he could still not believe it. First One was not dead. Impossible. Even as they had buried him, Third One had hesitated – for what if First One should reawaken in the earth? What if the wound was recoverable? Perhaps they were being hasty.
Third One wiped his eyes. This was happening too often. Unexpected tears. He could feel Boromir's heavy gaze from behind. The Man had spoken little that morning. But he had watched his companions, gauging their reactions, listening silently to their subdued talk. And as the superficial amusement – borne mostly of anxiety and fear – had dissolved at the roots of the Great Tree, they had lost Boromir again to silent despair.
Every so often, as they trotted along, Third One would mentally list his companions. Radagast. Second One. Twisting around to look, Boromir. Every time, Boromir stared back at him, unsmiling. And Third One would turn around. Yes, they were all here. All surrounding him. But not really. It felt to Third One as if he were riding his horse alone, through some barren landscape, with no happiness or joy conceivable. His companions were lost to him. They were so quiet.
And how the elf desired to speak with them! How the elf desired to stop this senseless marching, to end this foolish fighting, to lose himself in Valinor-escape! But he had long ago lost the right to the Undying Lands.
But how he hated the silence!
Only Radagast spoke and, even then, just quiet conversations with Fæstefot. Second One and Boromir were grim. They would sigh or shift in their seats. But never more than that.
Third One exhaled heavily. He did not fear the upcoming battle. A morbid part of him even wondered whether, should he die, he would see First One again. Nay, he did not fear the battle. He feared this march. He feared yesterday. He feared memory. He feared the idea that three thousand years of friendship could end so abruptly. Could end in a moment, a fraction of a second, so that he could blink and miss it.
He had not seen First One fall. He remembered only being pulled through the blur by Second One's yelling. The other elf had beckoned him forward and there, he had seen it, and it had brought immediate, frightened tears: First One. The blood pooling, soaking his brother's chest and the grass around. The Wild Men snarling as they moved forward. Boromir, further ahead, who kept looking back and turning around, as if he did not care.
And there, First One.
Third One had known immediately that his brother-in-exile was dead. Even as the life slowly ebbed from First One, and surely his spirit was drifting only inches above their heads, Third One had known. He had wept then, loudly and without shame. He had gone forth, pushed away the Easterlings, stabbed and hacked and defended his brother. He remembered Boromir arriving, narrowly missing Fæstefot and Radagast. He remembered watching First One, so limp, so silent, not himself, draped across the horse's back as it retreated.
They had lost Boromir then. He had disappeared back into the blur, become a blur himself. Third One remembered violent howls and pained screams. He had not looked, he did not want to see. He did not want to see the Man take more lives. For one was enough, a brother gone was enough. But Second One had gone forth to retrieve Boromir.
How Third One hated this silence!
If he should survive the battle, if he should return to Mirkwood, he would make his home by a stream or a waterfall or whatever noisy thing he could find. Mirkwood. Home, again. Aye, he knew in his heart that the exile was ended. Even this final battle was not needed. Not really. He could turn around and return to Thranduil's kingdom. But Boromir desired just one more fight, a final, desperate attack. Perhaps it was better that way. For Third One also feared returning to his homeland, and disliked the idea of returning without First One.
"Third One."
The voice, hoarse and low, came from behind. Third One reined in his horse, dropped back in the line next to Boromir. The Man looked at the elf, his heavy-hooded eyes warmed with commiseration.
"How is your arm?" Boromir asked.
In truth, Third One had completely forgotten about the minor sword-cut below his shoulder. Every so often, if he shifted, he would feel it sting. But it was barely noticeable. He shrugged.
"It heals, naught more than a scratch now. How is your…? How are you?"
Boromir nearly smiled, though Third One imagined the action impossible for him at the moment.
"I am still upright, and that is the important thing. I am well enough to fight." Boromir paused, inhaled slowly. Third One noticed the weariness in his posture. "We shall be upon the mountains of Ered Lithui this afternoon. Or whatever is called afternoon in this black land. Are you well prepared?"
"Aye. Well enough."
"Good." Boromir scanned the horizon. The Ashy peaks loomed in the distance, getting ever closer. "You fight well, Third One. You have great skill with the sword. I am not worried for you."
Third One smiled slightly. He had never been considered a fighter, even before the exile. Nonetheless, he enjoyed sword fighting – the weight of the hilt, the momentum of his arm, the ringing sound the blade made as it cut through air. Although archery was valued above all else in his realm, he had always preferred the sword or dagger.
He murmured thanks.
Boromir nodded with a grunt.
After a few moments, Boromir spoke again. "The elves know little of death. Your thoughts linger on First One?"
Third One was taken off guard by the question. He nodded mutely.
"That is normal. Would that I could offer you and Second One some consolation. But we Men have little understanding of it. I can only say that the hurt will pass. In time, you will think of him with joy."
"It seems impossible now…"
"Aye, it does." Boromir squinted, looked up. "This dark land does not ease the mood, either." He looked at Third One, and Third One noted a strange gleam in his eye. "My friend, let the dead pass. Many of us are doomed to die, and I would not have you weighed down by lost friends. It is as it should be."
Third One stared back. He wondered why Boromir had chosen to say such a thing. The Man carried an expression of weary resignation, and he was looking at elf pointedly. As if his words were more than just a simple consolation. As if they were a warning.
"Boromir, of what do you speak?" Third One asked.
"I speak of… I mean, Third One, after this is all over, you and Second One will return to your lands. You will be welcomed by your people and have honor restored. This fighting, well… if something should happen, I want you to continue on without grief, without remorse or sorrow. That – that is what I mean."
Third One shook his head fervently. He clenched his jaw.
"Nay, nay. Boromir, enough. I will not hear of it. All of us shall return to our lands after this is done. You will survive all this, I am sure of it."
Boromir gripped the reins tightly.
"Third One, don't be a fool," he hissed. "They have near killed me, and e'en a lesser blow could now cut me down." He looked at his hands, where the old bandages were unraveling. He began pulling at them, vainly trying to conceal the trembling. "Should this be my end, I desire only for you and Second One to go forth without regret. Mirkwood will surely welcome you back."
Third One did not respond.
Boromir cleared his throat, murmured, "And – and know that I have been honored to travel with the adraefan."
Third One felt the tears again. He shook his head, looked away.
"E'er the grim Man," he joked, though his voice wavered. "First One was right. E'er the grim, self-pitying Man."
Behind him, he heard Boromir laugh. But, like his own weak joke, the laugh was mingled with too much sorrow.
They trotted along quietly for long after that exchange. Third One resumed his place in the line. After an hour or so, a loud buzzing came from the left. Radagast turned and smiled. A black cloud, low and humming, was drifting along the Brown Lands towards them. The bees had arrived. And they brought with them locusts, wasps, fireflies, dragonflies, and any other willing insect. Second One looked to Third One, who shrugged, and looked to Boromir, whose jaw tensed. The army of beasts, indeed.
The leader of the bees, a plump bug, perched himself on Radagast's outstretched finger. They stopped to speak quietly for a moment. Then, with a grim nod from the wizard, the bee flew off, back into the roaring cloud, and Radagast turned to his companions.
"Good, good. It is all coming together as I have planned," the wizard said. "They will join us for the battle. The Queen sends her regards."
They turned the horses around and continued the march to Dagorlad. The mounds eventually gave way to flat, dusty earth. It lent itself to a quicker march, easier riding. But still no one spoke. Now, with the persistent hum of bees around them, it was difficult to hear each other over the noise. So Third One let the insect drone fill his thoughts – washing away First One, washing away Boromir's far-reaching misery, washing away everything. Third One desired only to be empty of thought.
The birds arrived shortly afterwards, led by the usual Spotted Owl. What a strange sight, indeed! Third One could not help but feel amused wonder at the situation. Here was the Brown Wizard, followed by two elves, a Man, and a cloud of buzzing insects and cawing birds. When Third One turned around in his saddle to look at the army trailing behind them, he saw Boromir wincing at the noise.
"They are quite loud!" Third One called.
Boromir squinted, gave him a confused look, but then nodded with understanding. "All of Mordor will hear our coming!"
Indeed, Radagast must have thought the same thing, for he soon turned around and urged them all to be quiet. This silenced the birds completely, though the insects continued a muted hum.
And so they continued forth, getting closer and closer to Mordor, so that the day darkened prematurely and all vegetation fell away. At a certain point, perhaps a league from the base of Ered Lithui, Radagast held up his hand. They dismounted there, let the horses gallop away to join their companions further east. The insects and birds all landed, forming a veritable carpet on the ground. Meanwhile, Radagast, the elves and Boromir dropped their packs and travelling supplies. They removed their swords, daggers, bows, arrows, shield, staff.
Now, the wait. Second One peered into the distance, east along the mountains' base. The Easterlings would not arrive for another two hours.
Inside Mordor, fiery lightening cracked. The black clouds swirled and moved with strange intention – as if some great hand in the sky was moving them aside, repositioning them. Radagast, Boromir and the elves all watched the Black Land for a few moments, as much transfixed as they were perturbed.
"'Tis a damned land," Radagast growled. "To think that such evil could corrupt the land so."
"And let us finish off that evil," Boromir muttered, seemingly to himself. "Let us wash the ground in Easterling blood and clean away the filth. This War has gone on too long. My people have lived too long in fear."
"Aye…" Second One said. "As has Mirkwood, apparently."
"Enough," Radagast said, turning away suddenly, "eat, my friends, build your strength. Aye, you too, Boromir. Come, I have the herbal drink for your stomach. We must all eat, else we will be miserable fighters."
Slowly, one by one, the elves and Boromir turned their backs to Mordor and moved to Radagast's pack. Boromir still limped, which worried Third One, but the Man assured him the wound in his calf looked worse than it felt. Further ahead, the army of birds and insects still fluttered anxiously over the land. All moving, twittering, buzzing, fidgeting. Third One smiled. Would his fellow elves believe him, if he should ever speak of these dark times? Would they believe he stood with an army of beasts beside him?
"Second One. Third One. Here," Radagast handed them some lembas. They took their pieces, nibbled absent-mindedly. "Boromir. Drink this."
The wizard handed Boromir a wooden decanter. The Man smelled it, blanched. He knocked the drink back in one swallow. After that, he too took a piece of lembas and began to eat slowly.
"The Easterlings shall be upon us in an hour, I believe," Radagast said. "As we wait, I will send a scout ahead. And a messenger to the horses to prepare themselves. Fæstefot will lead the charge."
Second One sighed. "I have seen o'er a hundred. With the horses, all should be well. Let us hope there are no reinforcements, so close we are to Mordor walls."
No one spoke. Time passed. They each began their own pre-battle preparations. Radagast sat down amidst the birds and insects, crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought. Second One perched himself further off, staring East. Boromir began to pace, slowly, back and forth, back and forth, limping. Third One sat on the ground, facing Mordor. He brought his knees up and leaned forward.
Mordor. To think. Here he was, three thousand years too late. He had avoided this fight for so long. But now it could no longer be avoided. He had felt it for days, that this was part of something larger – something out of his control. He wondered what. Valar-influence runs deep, my son, do not forget that. His father's words, uttered so long ago, now came back to him. Yes, this was something unavoidable. Even if Mirkwood could accept him already, he needed to remain and fight this last battle.
He felt now as if the bees were not waiting behind him, but rather bouncing around the walls of his stomach. His nerves came alive with excitement. In less than an hour, the Easterlings would be here. And then the fight would begin. He could not help but feel a twinge of anxiety. First One's death had shown him true risk, true loss.
And it seemed his companions felt much of the same nervousness – Boromir kept grasping his sword hilt, muttering and grunting in silent discourse with himself. Second One stood still as a statue, letting the wind play with his hair as he watched for movement.
Third One breathed in, breathed out, closed his eyes.
Thranduil sits on his throne, glowing. There is much singing these days, but not in the court. He looks down at me. I am nervous, very nervous. Like bees and butterflies bouncing around the inside of my stomach. I am waiting. I have waited very long, and now the decision is to be made.
He inhales.
I cringe.
"----, son of ----," Thranduil begins. "I hereby banish you from the Woodland Realm and all realms of the elven peoples. You will be the third exile, to join the other nameless cowards, e'er to wander the lands with shame. You know your crime, and you know your punishment. Now, go. I will say no more. Disappear."
Third One opened his eyes.
Every word, except his and his father's name, resounded clear and vibrant in his memory. He wondered what the King would say upon his return. But Second One had already assured him. All is well, young Third One, do not fear. All shall turn out well. Followed by Second One's typical, mild smile. A soothing smile. A diplomatic smile.
And it was in that moment, as Third One mused, and Boromir limp-paced, and Radagast meditated, that Second One uttered a cry. The Easterlings had arrived. Already, the clouds of dust they kicked up could be seen on the eastern horizon. The sky above Mordor snapped with a red bolt of lightening. Boromir twitched visibly, unsheathed his sword, picked up his shield. Radagast stood, and all the insects and birds rose into the air above his head. Second One removed an arrow, nocked it.
Third One unsheathed his daggers.
…He loved these daggers. They were a gift from First One. They were lithe, slim, elegant. Third One liked the weight of the hilt against his palms. He liked the momentum his arm gathered as it swung around. He liked the sound the blades made as they cut through the air.
This is for you, First One. I will avenge you, my brother.
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Skijoring event in Rochester raises funds for Dover Equestrian team
Sunday, January 13, 2013
ROCHESTER — Skijoring became quite the spectator sport as many gathered on Saturday at the Myhre Equine Complex at Ten Rod Road. Ranges of horses showed their competitive, but tame nature as one after the other galloped through the field with a skier or snowboarder in tow.
The course was timed and the obstacles consisted of cones to weave around and various jumps to launch from. Different divisions of the sport gave you options of riding at your leisure or finding the need for speed.
" This is a great family sport," said Sullivan.
All proceeds benefited the Dover High CTC Equine Program.
For more information please visit the Myhre Equine Complex website, http://www.myhreequine.com.


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There can be X-specific calls within the application as well, not going through the toolkit. There are a lot of applications with this, actually, since most people came to expect X11 to be on every Linux desktop...
I seem to have upset people with my comment about about WHY do we need more terminals, and like usual, they went 90 different directions with it. So let me better define.
I'm fine with the terminals using the gtk, or qt, or efl, or whatever you want tool kit the devs want to us. I just hate that I have to download large portion of a desktop environment in order to use a simple terminal or note taking application. I want apps to be stand-alone from the desktop environment libraries, but the tool kit itself is fine.
really. you live in an unrealistic world. you should write a non-trivial application some day.
He said that toolkits are understandable (toolkits are separate from the DE), he's talking about, for instance, downloading Konsole. It requires downloading at least 5 KDE libs last I checked (a few of which are HUGE).
A simple example: I download and install Konversation on Linux Mint. It pulls in... I don't know, 7 or 8 KDE libs? The libs alone take up almost a GB once installed.
Then, a few months later, I go to install a app not related to KDE in any way, but apt notices that I have some core KDE libs installed, so pulls in EXTRA KDE DEPENDENCIES for this app that I don't need at all.
Stuff like that (which is completely separate from the toolkit) is fking annoying.
an example - terminology allows for video wallpapers, inlined content etc. - this comes almost "for free" because one of the efl libs (emotion) does that all for you. you do very little work yourself in your app. beyond some high-level "create video obj - play/pause, seek to pos x, set volume to y" that's it. in he qt world that doesn't exist IN qt (as best i know) and that's why phonon exists - and that's part of kde. you couldn't have such a feature without then importing kde. in gnome-land you'd have to use gstreamer directly - and its not "part of gtk". these are PART of your toolkit. you can't have your features FROM the toolkit itself without REPLICATING those other libs too.
and if you read his first post - not wanting it desktop linked MEANS not wanting it linked to a specific toolkit as specific toolkits ARE linked to desktops. plain and simple.


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We have a number of helpful brochures about Home Instead Senior Care® that you can download and print from this Web site or share by email with family and friends. Simply click on the links below to download our brochures on Home Instead Senior Care services.
Who We Are and What We Do (PDF 752 KB)
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The Home Care Solution: A Guide to the Best Choices for Seniors and Those Who Care About Them (PDF 1.22 MB)
Helping Families Cope - an Alzheimer's Resource Guide for Family Caregivers (PDF 663 KB)
Alzheimer's Care Facts (PDF 97 KB)


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Filter Pressure Gauge
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C-Series Programmable Logic Controllers
The C351 is a state-of-the-art controlling and monitoring system engineered by Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems for use with our research systems. The C351 consolidates system control, multiparameter water quality monitoring, water quality dosing control, alarming and data management into one user-friendly package.
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- We listen to your specific requirements and deliver aquatic housing systems to help you achieve reproducible results.
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Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems provides a 2-year warranty on our Aquatic Habitats housing systems. If you have a problem, call our emergency support line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate assistance.


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Hostelling International Kaiyue (Kaiyue for short) is a good establishment for the weary traveller to rest his head.... More Info »
A Hidden Gem From Which to Explore China's Most Vibrant Coastal City! Yes, we are pleased to announce that now we... More Info »
Qingdao's new Marina Hostel is in the east part of the city. Our front door overlooks the eastern harbor, with one of... More Info »
Introduction below: "Cloud Seaside" locates in the villa residential area,it's very nice,quiet and full of birds'... More Info »
we locate in the deusche street ,constructing in a old building which was once the embassu of denmark at the age of... More Info »
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Select passengers for this flight
Here you can select the passengers for this flight reservation.
The list includes those of your company's employees who have access to the Finnair Corporate Online services. By default the logged-in user is selected and marked as the primary passenger, and his or her contact information is added in the reservation. However, you can also book flights for others and exclude yourself from the reservation. The primary passenger's contact information can also be changed on the Passenger Details page.
If some passengers are missing in this list, you can add them manually to the reservation on the Passenger Details page.
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Riga's Art Nouveau architecture leaves a unique and lasting impression. Decorated with cats, angels and monsters, the houses built in the 19th century are full of detail and it takes more than one glance to take them all in. The Riga Cathedral is an impressive mix of different styles, and the 123 metre-high tower of the gothic St. Peter's Church offers sweeping views over the city.
Other landmarks include the freedom monument depicting the goddess of freedom Milda and the Riga Radio and TV Tower, which is the tallest free-standing structure in the European Union. The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which exhibits Latvian history during the Nazi and Soviet occupation, is well worth a visit. The market place, built into old Zeppelin hangars, is a fascinating setting for some grocery shopping. The many restaurants of the city offer local delicacies as well as ethnic dishes and Riga's famous nightlife keeps going until the early hours of the morning.
The airport is located 10 km southwest of Riga.


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Photo Galleries
< MyNorthwest
Federal agency finds lax regulation of chemicals
Federal agency finds lax regulation of chemicals
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The remains of the the West Fertilizer Co. plant smolder in the rain on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool) MANDATORY CREDIT
Photo by Smiley N. Pool
Photo by Smiley N. Pool
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Amanda Knox and her family celebrate acquittal
Italy's highest court overturned the murder conviction against Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Friday over the 2007 slaying of Knox's roommate, bringing to a definitive end to the high-profile case.
Week in Photos
Photos from around the world this week.
Hundreds gather to commemorate one-year mark of Oso mudslide
A solemn crowd gathered to honor 43 people who lost their lives a year ago in the deadliest landslide in U.S. history.
Photos: Oso one year after deadly mudslide
Sunday is the one-year anniversary of the slide, and although most of the mangled cars and homes have been cleaned up, reminders of loss are everywhere.
Week in photos
Take a look at the best photos of the week from around the world.
Tuesday in photos
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2015.
Monday in photos
Monday, March 16, 2015.
Week in photos
Photos from around the world this week.
Friday in photos
The second of three Friday the 13ths in 2015; Friday, March 13, 2015.
Thursday in photos
Thursday, March 12, 2015.


text: Ingredients:4 tablespoons butter3/4 pound smoked bacon1 cup green peppers1 cup yellow peppers1 cup of red peppersHot pepper to garnish or for added heat1 cup mushrooms1 cup yellow onions3 cups corn2 cups cream1 cup milk1 cup sour cream2 cups chicken (2 breasts)4 cups smoked cheddar or shredded cheese2 tablespoons chili pepper paste = 2 peppers1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1/4 teaspoon onion powderCracked pepper and salt to tasteDirections:In a large skillet, saute 1/4 cup of finely chopped (1/4 inch) of green, yellow, red peppers, onion, and mushroom with 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 cup of corn at the end and set aside.Heat oven to 400 degrees and cook all the bacon on a cookie sheet (about 15 minutes) and set aside to be used later.In a large skillet cook the chicken. Dice the chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes and salt and pepper lightly. Cook them in some bacon fat leftover.Take the remainder of vegetables (peppers, onion and mushrooms), chop in chunks and brown in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter.In a saucepan take the finely chopped vegetables, add 2 cups of cream and 1 cup of milk with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic and onion. Add a few pieces of bacon chopped into small pieces. Salt and pepper lightly and simmer over medium high heat.In a large saucepan take the cooked chicken, 1 cup of bacon, larger chunk vegetables and 2 cups of corn and heat over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili pepper paste or (fresh chilies according to your heat tolerance) and 1 tablespoon of hickory smoke.In a clear soup bowl take the heated chicken/vegetable mixture and fill the bowl halfway, then top the entire mixture with smoked/shredded cheese to make a seal (if not hot enough to melt cheese place in microwave for 1 minute).Once the cheese is melted add the finely chopped vegetable cream mixture to the bowl and top off with leftover bacon bits.Use hot peppers to garnish bowl or use for extra heat and small dollop of sour cream to take away some of the heat.Preparation time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes


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In the Deep Places: 5. Conversations, part I
A few feet before him, Legolas turned away and went to collect his arrows. As he stooped over the bodies, a lock of hair fell forward against his cheek again and he tucked it absently back into a restraining braid.
Gimli glanced around. Two of the Orcs' torches were sputtering not far away, and he caught one up. Carefully he picked his way past the bodies and walked back along the central path to the boulders where he had left his own makeshift torch. The rags were charred and smoldering feebly. Gimli dislodged them by scraping the axe against a nearby rock. He had just stamped out the last of the rags and was inspecting the axe head when Legolas stepped into the glow of his torch.
"Ha, you see Master Elf?" Gimli said, holding up the axe. The head was blackened and sooty, but the weapon was essentially undamaged. "The finest tempered iron, still perfectly sharp. None can match Dwarven weapons for quality."
Legolas glanced at the throwing axe as Gimli tucked it carefully into his belt. "Perhaps, Master Dwarf. However, my own weapons are also undamaged, and I believe that your large axe is notched. But you will have to clean both weapons before they are serviceable again." He quickly unbuckled his quiver and pulled several rubbing cloths from its depths. He handed three to Gimli and kept one for himself. Gimli saw that he was holding six Elven arrows fletched with green and brown. He had left the black Orc arrows where they lay. Legolas quickly wiped the gore from his arrows and slipped them into his quiver. He had completed all of this and swung the quiver back into place before Gimli had quite made up his mind what to do with the cloths he had been given. He was reluctant to accept anything from the Elf, but Legolas did have a point. Finally it was the thought of what Glóin would say if his son neglected basic weapons care that made Gimli swallow his objections and begin rubbing one of the cloths over his large axe's blade. It was notched, he noted ruefully, but it would serve.
Legolas glanced at the Dwarf as he fell into step beside him. The Elf had drawn one of his white knives and was cleaning it as he walked. "You should wash your face and hair as well, Master Dwarf. You stink of Orc blood."
Gimli ground his teeth at the insult and glared at the Elf. In truth he was spattered liberally with black blood that clung to his face and clothes and matted his beard. Legolas, he noted with disgust, was as fresh as he had been before they entered Moria. Not a hair out of place, not a streak of dust or sweat or blood anywhere. It was unnatural, and annoying.
"We Dwarves are not so vain as Elves," he said. "A little blood is nothing. It will not hinder me."
"That may be. At least the smell does not seem to bother you. But when that blood dries it will be impossible to wash out. I can cut it out of your beard, if you like." There was a faintly mischievous lilt to Legolas' voice.
Gimli hunched his shoulders and wadded the cleaning cloths in his hand. Oh yes, he had no doubt that the Elf would take pleasure in mutilating his beard. It had been the target of several Elven pranks and insults already in their journey. But his pride stubbornly resisted taking Legolas' advice. He might have cleaned the blood from his face and clothes on his own after he had finished with his weapons. But the Elf's arrogant suggestion grated against him, and he would not give him the satisfaction of seeming to follow it.
Several minutes passed, during which Legolas walked quietly, unconcernedly inspecting the silver design of his knife blade, and Gimli grumbled under his breath. He could feel the gore stiffening on his cheeks, and his beard itched abominably. Finally Gimli gave in and, with a distinct growl of irritation, scrubbed a clean cloth over his face. Legolas sheathed his knife and drew the other in one smooth motion. Gimli half expected him to produce a comb next, but the archer only walked on in silence, carefully wiping blood from the joint of the handle and blade of his long knife.
Gimli had finally managed to clean most of the blood from his face and beard when Legolas stopped. The Elf stood in the corridor with his head cocked to one side, frowning slightly. At Gimli's questioning look Legolas only shook his head and began walking again. But the playful light was gone from his eyes, and he watched the shadowed side-columns warily as they passed.
Gimli was relaxed, swinging his axe casually in his left hand as he walked. But Legolas grew more and more tense as they approached the junction of their passage with the staircase. He had sheathed his knife and drawn his bow. The pressing weight of stone and malice was growing stronger as they neared their starting point. The desolate silence, almost forgotten in the rush of battle, was overwhelming. The ache of it resonated in Legolas' bones and roared in his ears. He found himself speaking just to fill that emptiness, his voice lost in the void around them.
"It must be cold in the mines."
Gimli frowned at him. "What?"
"I have not paid attention. But you must feel the cold more than I."
Gimli shook his head in confusion. "Are all Elves trained to talk nonsense, or were you just born this way?"
Legolas looked at him, one eyebrow raised. "You take such offense at the suggestion to trim your beard. I know that mortals are more susceptible to cold, but I had not realized you needed so much hair to keep warm."
Gimli stared at him for a long moment, his mouth open. "You think . . . you think that Dwarf beards are . . . used for warmth?" He couldn't help it. A deep laugh rumbled from the depths of his chest and he threw back his head and roared. The puzzled look on Legolas' face only made him laugh harder. The rich sound echoed through the vast caverns until the pillars rang with mirth.
For an instant Legolas felt the weight of malice about them lift. The Dwarf's laughter filled the silence and the tension that knotted the back of Legolas' neck eased. Here at least was the sound of life, and Legolas had the sudden thought that Dwarves were a part of Ilúvatar's will too. Strange that he had never considered that before. But it did nothing to lessen the confusion he felt. He waited until Gimli's laughter had slackened to a few disconnected guffaws.
"It makes sense," Legolas insisted when he could make himself heard. "The men of Dale do not wear such heavy beards, nor do Aragorn or Boromir. Dwarves must need them for protection from the cold of the mountain caves. Why else would you weigh yourselves down with the things?"
Gimli wiped away a few tears and brought his breathing under control. "Aragorn and Boromir couldn't grow a proper beard if they tried. It is a gift to Mahal's children. And this," he stroked his thick red tresses, "is as fine a specimen as you are ever likely to see, Master Elf."
Legolas looked at him doubtfully. "Still, it must serve some purpose. The Valar do not give gifts without reason."
Gimli shrugged. "As for that, you'll have to ask them when you see them, Master Elf. Maybe it did serve for additional warmth, once. But it is much more a sign of strength. A Dwarf cannot braid his beard until he has proven himself a warrior and craftsman. I thought it was the same for you."
Legolas lifted a hand and fingered the small braid above his ear. He smiled slightly. "Yes, I suppose a warrior's braids are a sign of accomplishment. A child does not wear them. But a child does not need to. An archer must keep his lock point clear."
At Gimli's confused expression Legolas drew an arrow and nocked it. Slowly he bent his bow, drawing the nock back to the corner of his mouth. "The draw must be smooth, the release perfect. Were my hair loose, it would get tangled in the bowstring. Besides," he added as he lowered the bow, "a warrior cannot fight if his hair falls in his eyes." He tilted his head. "Does not your fine beard interfere with your movements?"
Gimli snorted. In truth he had once singed his beard badly when he had bent too close to his father's forge. But he was not about to admit that to the Elf. "It is no concern. A warrior's rank is more important than such trifles."
Legolas smiled. "As for that, we unbraid our hair when at peace. But I suppose that Dwarven vanity cannot be swayed by the practicality of the Elves."
It was some time before Gimli could think of a response to that. They had reached the ascending staircase when he muttered, "Elven practicality. Hmph. Why don't you cut off all that hair, if you're so practical?" He glanced hopefully at Legolas to see if this retort had hit home, but the Elf was not listening.
He stood staring up the black stair, arrow nocked and bow half drawn. Every line of his body was drawn in ratcheted tension. He stood absolutely still for a moment, then whispered, so soft that Gimli could barely hear him, "It draws nearer. We have tarried too long." With that he sheathed his arrow and ran, hardly seeming to touch the crumbling steps as he flew up them. Gimli was forced to follow as best as he could, and soon was too short of breath to voice the curses he longed to utter against Elves who made needlessly cryptic remarks.
Legolas ran. He flew up the twisted steps, the musty air gritty in his throat and his bow clenched tightly in his hand. With every step he felt the Presence grow stronger, a crushing weight of Shadow and hate that pressed against him.
He reached the top of the stair and nearly stumbled at the abrupt change of the stone beneath his feet. He froze, standing in the complete darkness and listening intently. He could feel the faint shift of air currents against his face as he stood in the archway before the three passages. There was the taste of iron like bitter shavings on his tongue. The resonant malice was stronger, bearing down upon him. He turned his head toward it and knew that he faced the central corridor, though he could see nothing.
There is nothing there, he told himself firmly. It is still far off. It may not come here at all. But the pounding of his heart betrayed this lie. Every instinct he possessed was screaming to run, to get away from this cage of stone and hate. As he stood, straining his eyes against the almost tangible dark, he expected every moment to feel the feather light brush of Shadow against his cheek. He dared not name the thing he felt in the depths, but in truth it mattered not. The Ring called, and he felt the inexorable response. It was coming. Phantom shadows brushed his mind. Flame licked his skin like the caress of a lover in the dark.
With every fiber of his being he longed to turn, to flee back to where the Fellowship waited. To find Mithrandir. He clung to the fraying tatters of his reason, slipping on the knife-edge of logic. The Dwarf. You must wait for the Dwarf. It was courage in its most primal form, the need to protect another. He clung to it. He could hear the clatter of Gimli's heavy boots on the stairs. He forced himself to focus on the sound, to ignore the menacing Shadow, the death whisper in the dark.
He could have sobbed for relief when Gimli's torch finally appeared, followed by Gimli. The light was nothing, mere absence of the physical dark, nothing to the Shadow. But Legolas could see again! He looked back at the central corridor, feeling that feather touch brush his neck. And of course, there was nothing there.
A deep voice wheezed behind him. "Crazy Elf. In the mines . . . you wait . . . for the torch to go first. Running off . . . in the dark . . . you could have been killed!"
Legolas turned resolutely away from the dark passage. Gimli was bent over his axe, panting heavily, his scavenged torch dipping dangerously close to the floor. It was all Legolas could do not to snatch the torch from him and sprint up the side corridor to where Mithrandir waited.
"Very well then, Master Dwarf," he said, forcing his voice to be steady. "You will go first." He gestured toward the smaller side corridor. He could have screamed when Gimli did nothing for a moment but stand there, his breath coming more slowly, his dark eyes narrowed suspiciously. Is this what our history leads us to, he thought wildly, slaves to mistrust when the very fires of Morgoth are upon us?
But Aragorn had said that even the Dwarf felt the Shadow. Legolas thought that unlikely, but he was desperate. He dared not speak of it openly, not even to Mithrandir, but surely there was some way of reasoning with the Dwarf.
"We must leave this place," he said softly, stepping forward and looking directly into Gimli's eyes. "Your people are gone. This is not their home, not any more. Something is coming, and we must find the others. Now."
Gimli met his eyes squarely, and Legolas saw a flicker of pain in their depths. Then the Dwarf glanced past him, at the central corridor, and seemed to shiver slightly. He closed his eyes and nodded. Then he turned and, lifting his torch high, stumped down the side passage without a word.
Legolas followed, forcing his steps to match the Dwarf's shorter stride. He could feel the Shadow as it brooded over them, and a spot between his shoulder blades itched as though expecting a touch from behind. He held himself to a walk, focusing his eyes on the Dwarf's torch, his back and neck tensed against the threat.
Finally they reached the small room where the Fellowship waited. Gimli slipped inside without a backward glance, but Legolas stood for a long moment against the door, gazing into the dark. His hands ached from their tight grip on his bow, his mouth was dry and his heart pounded in his ears. They had distanced themselves from that evil, but it could not be avoided forever. The passage was silent, the air cold and dry in his lungs. The threat was growing like a black cancer in his mind. But it had not found them yet. Legolas forced his left hand to loosen from his bow, willed it to stop shaking. He turned away from the resonant Shadow and entered the chamber.
Gimli was speaking, his rough voice lowered in an approximation of a whisper. The Dwarf still seemed loud to Legolas' ears, and he marveled that their companions slept on undisturbed. "The left hand passage leads to an Orc road. There must be a stronghold down there. We encountered one scouting party and dispatched it. It will be some time before any others come from that place."
Mithrandir was nodding. "What of the other passages?"
Legolas moved forward to join them. "We had no time to investigate the upward passage. The central corridor is dark. We dare not take that road." He met Mithrandir's eyes, willing the wizard to understand what he could not say aloud. There was too much power in the words. Elves had been the first people to ever use spoken language. They had taught the power to others, Ents and even trees to a lesser extent. But they were the first, they were the Quendi. There was power in Elvish speech and song, and Legolas felt in his soul that naming the thing would make it more real, would draw it to them as surely as the Ring's call. Mithrandir returned his gaze, and Legolas thought he caught a glint of understanding in his sharp eyes.
Then the wizard turned to the Dwarf at his side. "What say you, Gimli? Is the right hand corridor our only choice?" Legolas stiffened. Mithrandir had never before asked another to verify the Elf's impressions.
Gimli glanced at Legolas, then back at Gandalf. The Dwarf shifted his weight uncomfortably. "The Elf has been even flightier than usual since we entered the mines. But the straight passage does seem to trouble him a great deal. And . . . there is a feel about it that I do not like. The air currents are wrong somehow." He glanced again at Legolas, and then looked at the ground. "We can take the higher road."
Mithrandir nodded. "Your counsel agrees with my own thought. We will take the upward passage."
Legolas let out his breath in a swell of relief. They would climb up, away from Shadow, away from this tomb! He turned away, intending to wake Aragorn. But he had only taken a few steps toward the Ranger when Mithrandir called him back. The wizard's voice was scarce above a whisper, but Legolas heard him clearly, and stopped. He looked back, questioning, to where Mithrandir sat with pipe in hand, Gimli still close by.
"We cannot leave just yet, Legolas. The Company has only rested a few hours, and we have far to travel. The Hobbits must gain strength ere we continue. And you and Gimli have yet to sleep at all."
Legolas' shoulders drew back as he inhaled slowly. "There will be time to rest after we leave the mines."
Mithrandir's eyes narrowed. "We may never escape the mines at all if we run ourselves to exhaustion."
Legolas turned fully to face the wizard. "I would follow your counsel, Mithrandir, but we have no time. We must go now."
Mithrandir's voice was calm. "Must we, Legolas? Think. We are sheltered. We are as safe here as we will ever be in this place. We have had a hard journey, and it will get harder. The Company cannot go on without rest."
Legolas' jaw clenched. How could he speak so calmly of waiting, resting, delaying when the weight of Shadow grew stronger with every minute? How could he deny the evil in this tomb? The Elf breathed deeply for a moment and kept his voice under tight control when he finally spoke. No quaver betrayed the pounding of his heart. "There are greater things at stake than the night's sleep of this Company. Think what we risk by waiting. Will you delay until –" His voice choked and he stopped, breathing hard.
Mithrandir stood and crossed over to the Elf. The craggy face was lined and hollowed in the dim light, the sharp eyes cast in shadow. His voice was very soft. "How far can you run, Legolas? Can you run fast enough, fight hard enough, to defeat that which you fear? Would you fear it if you could?" He stepped close, and Legolas could feel the warmth that radiated from him. "Trust me, Thranduilion. I will not lead us astray."
Legolas gazed into the old face. How long had Mithrandir guided them? Not just the Fellowship, but all of them, Elves and Men and Hobbits and Dwarves. Elven memory did not fade with time. It seemed to Legolas, as he thought back, that Mithrandir had always been there. Never overbearing, never intruding, but always there if needed. His had been a quiet voice of wisdom and comfort, even to the youngest Elf-child of Thranduil's kingdom. A mortal might have mistaken him for a Man, withered and bent with age as he appeared. But no Elf would ever have made that mistake. Mithrandir's wisdom ran deeper than the ages. He did not merely resonate with Ilúvatar's Song, he was Song. As he looked into the Maia's eyes, for a moment it seemed that Legolas could hear it, clear and soft in the void.
"I do trust you, Mithrandir. Always have I done so." His voice was a scarce breath in the stillness. In his agitation he slipped between Westron and Sindarin without noticing. "I would follow you, even were you to lead us on the straight road. But this . . . this is madness. You doubt my words, you seek a Dwarf's counsel over mine . . ." chittering in the back of his mind, go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes . . . go not to the Elves for counsel . . . "I was chosen for this Fellowship for a reason. What I sense is real. It is coming. You know this."
Mithrandir nodded. "I know. And I know that you are strong, and brave, and wise, Legolas. You will not be driven to folly, not by stone or by Shadow. I seek Gimli's counsel because he is at home here, as we are not. There is great wisdom in the Dwarves, if you would see it. What will be, must be. Our Doom is laid before us, and it is folly to cheat fate."
Legolas shook his head. "You speak of fate, but I cannot see it. Do you know what this Doom is, Mithrandir? Can you be so certain it is our path? I feel Shadow and malice and power, as I have never felt before. Something seeks us, I know this, but what is it? How can we face it?"
The wizard sighed. "I would comfort you if I could, Legolas. There are legends of course, but the not even the Wise can be certain of Durin's Bane. But we must have faith. What darkness may come, it will be defeated."
Legolas closed his eyes. He swayed slightly as a wave of fear and despair washed over him. His voice was gone, a mere breath in his throat, but he spoke as clearly as he could past the knot in his chest. "I am not Glorfindel, Mithrandir. I cannot . . ."
Gnarled hands grabbed his shoulders and the Istar pulled him into a rough hug. "I know. I know. You are Greenleaf, and that, my friend, is more than enough. I would have no other."
Legolas leaned into the embrace for a moment, breathing the familiar scent of pipeweed and wood smoke and feeling the rough wool of the wizard's cloak beneath his cheek. He was shaking. The Maia was as ancient and strong as the stars, and to his shame he found that he needed that strength. "You choose this path," he whispered.
Mithrandir stepped back and looked at him for a long moment. "I do. We are bound to this fate, Legolas. It is my choice, and my right."
Legolas drew a shuddering breath, and bowed his head.
Next up: Chapter 6. Our favorite Elf and Dwarf have a chat.
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Call for Posters & Presentations
MEDEX Northwest will host the PAEA Western Regional Consortium for PA educators over the weekend of June 26 – 28…Read More
MEDEX Northwest will host the PAEA Western Regional Consortium for PA educators over the weekend of June 26 – 28…Read More
In 1967, John Betz was a recruited by Dick Smith to train for a new category of mid-level practitioners at MEDEX. During his preceptorship phase, Betz was assigned to rural clinic in Othello, WA where he remained in practice for 44 years. This digital story captures Betz's life and career in words, photos and video. Go to http://goo.gl/u5Z75R
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Lotta Chocolate Part 2: Snickers Macarons
first successful souffles, which took me 5 attempts to attain, the 5th time was the charm for my triumph over macarons (Here's some evidence of my failed attempts...I really hope this doesn't become a pattern!). And I must divide credit among my Twitter friends Stella of Bravetart, Kaitlin of Whisk Kid, Josie of Daydreamer Desserts, Steph of Desserts for Breakfast, Mardi of eat.live.travel.write., and of course the Macaron Queen herself, Helene of Tartelette for their invaluable advice helping me to troubleshoot each failed batch until I got it right this morning. Thank you so much, ladies!
While you probably expect I got frustrated with all these failures (and I did at times), I actually got very invigorated by the learning process. The aggravating yet oddly fun thing about macarons is that there are so many ways to go wrong 8). When each batch came out with a new set of problems, (after the initial wailing) it was fun to play detective, teasing out causes to each symptom. I learned a lot, the most important being that 3 factors really make or break French macarons: properly whipping up the egg whites to stiff peaks, knowing when to stop mixing the batter, and knowing your oven (especially any major hot/cold spots). Each of my failed attempts resulted directly from a failure to do one of the above, and once I figured them out I got the results I wanted. On the flip side, humidity and heat are NOT the great saboteurs of macaron success you've heard them to be. It was warm and humid (rainy with no AC!) all 5 times I baked them but hottest and wettest on the day I succeeded 8).
chocolate chunk challah french toast. Plus I'm submitting these to this month's MacTweets challenge: "Decadently Chocolate." Macarons may not be such an unusual way to feature chocolate, but Tartelette's idea to transform a common candy bar into a fancy macaron drew my curiosity enough to warrant a try (or 5 in this case =p). And in the end, I was very impressed. These adorable treats combine the best of both worlds: the classic taste of Snickers bars with the delicate texture and portion-control (ha!) of macarons. Do you love chocolate, Snickers, and/or macarons? If the answer is yes, I really recommend you try these soon!
Now I've probably scared you with all this talk of failed macarons and the recipe below will look impossibly long at first glance, but please rest assured that it's really not so hard. Macaron-making is simply a process that requires hands-on familiarity to perfect, and if you focus on the 3 key things I listed above, you'll have it down in no time. To give you a head's start, I've included some helpful videos below (not my own!) and lots of useful tips in the body of the recipe (which is why it's so long!). Once you've run through the process once or twice, you won't even look at directions anymore 'cause it'll be second nature. And if you learn anything from my experience, I hope it's to try try and try again! While I'm a beginner myself, I'd be happy to answer any macaron questions you may have via Twitter or email.
P.S. - If anyone's interested in this banner, you can print it on PDF HERE, preferably in color on card stock paper. Simply cut it out and glue/tape it to some wood skewers. Enjoy!
Snickers Chocolate Peanut Caramel Macarons [Printable Recipe]
Adapted from Tartelette, Daydreamer Desserts, and Not So Humble Pie (a great macaron troubleshooting post)
Makes about 25 to 35 macarons
XIAOLU'S NOTES: Please do not try to convert this recipe to volume measurements if you don't have a scale (I use and love this one). This recipe is very sensitive and will not work if the measurements are not exact. Please also note that every oven is different and you'll figure out what works best for yours over time. Since mine has major hot spots, I bake on 2 stacked pans for insulation. If you're uncertain of your ability to pipe uniformly-sized macarons, like me, simply trace 1 1/4-inch circles on your parchment paper, flip the paper over, and pipe on the other side, using the outlines as your guide OR print (choose "fit to page") and slide this template under your parchment as a guide but don't forget to remove before baking! Macarons are best after having been refrigerated for 24 to 48 hours, according to French pastry master, Pierre Herme, "An osmosis takes place between the garnish and the biscuit. When freshly baked this is hard and crisp, but it absorbs some humidity from the filling and its inside becomes more tender while the crust on the surface stays intact" (quote via Not So Humble Pie). So even if you accidentally overbake the shells by a few minutes, maturing the macarons in the fridge for at least 48 hours should undo most of the damage =).
65 g almonds [not roasted or salted]
60 g peanuts [not salted]
15 g cocoa powder
160 g powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
55 g granulated sugar
2 g egg white powder [optional, to stabilize batter in humid weather]
100 g egg whites [about 3 large egg whites]
1/8 tsp cream of tartar or 1/4 tsp lemon juice [optional, to stabilize meringue]
Milk Chocolate Ganache (Recipe below)
Marshmallow Peanut "Nougat" (Recipe below)
About 1/3 cup caramel sauce OR dulce de leche (Recipe below)
About 25 to 35 peanut halves
Separate your eggs 2 to 5 days before, and store the whites in a covered container in the fridge. Bring the egg whites to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. OR just microwave fresh egg whites 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave on medium heat.
Combine the almonds, peanuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor, and pulse on and off until the nuts are finely ground (about 1 to 2 minutes). Sift the powder to remove any large chunks that remain. Put those chunks back into the food processor and pulse again for another 30 to 60 seconds. Sift again. You will probably have some slightly chunkier almond bits. Hopefully they're no more than a tablespoon or so, in which case you can throw them out.
Weigh out and mix your granulated sugar and egg white powder in a small bowl until uniform; set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer, whip the egg whites on medium-low speed with cream of tartar until foamy, then turn the speed up to medium to medium-high and gradually add the sugar mixture until you obtain a glossy meringue (it'll look like shaving cream, hold stiff peaks, and stay in place if you turn the bowl upside-down; don't overbeat your meringue or it will be too dry).
Add all of the nut mixture to the meringue, and fold in. Use both a folding motion that scrapes the bottom of the bowl (to incorporate the dry ingredients) and a gentle pressing motion, to deflate the meringue against the side of the bowl. Slow down after about 25 strokes, and fold the mass carefully until you obtain a batter that flows like magma or a thick ribbon. The whole process should not take more than 50 strokes. Test the batter by spooning a small amount of the batter up, then dropping it back down on itself. If it melts back into the rest of the batter within 30 seconds, it's ready for piping (this page has great photos of this test). If not, fold 2 more strokes and test again.
Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/3 to 1/2-inch wide plain tip (I like Ateco #804 or 806) with half of the batter. (When your bag is too full, the pressure causes the batter to rush out in a way that's difficult to control, making for sloppy macarons.) Pipe tiny blobs of batter onto the 4 corners and center of 2 baking sheets, then line baking sheets with parchment paper OR line with silicone mats. Pipe small rounds (slightly larger than 1 inch wide) straight down and about 1 inch apart onto the baking sheets. Pick up each sheet with both hands and slam it firmly straight downward on the counter 2 to 3 times. This will to force out any large air bubbles. Immediately pop any bubbles that rise up but don't break with a toothpick. Do NOT do this once a few minutes have passed because you'll mess up the shell that's forming.
Preheat the oven to 275 to 300 degrees F. Let the macarons sit out for 25 to 60 minutes to harden their shells a bit (to prevent tops from cracking during baking). Test if they're ready by touching the top and side of one shell lightly. It should feel dry and not stick to your finger at all. Bake one pan at a time for 15 to 20 minutes in the middle shelf of your oven, depending on the size of the macarons. Let cool for 15 to 30 minutes before trying to move the shells.
Once cool, flip the shells over. If you have trouble removing them from parchment paper, pour a couple of drops of water under the paper while the sheet is still a bit warm, and the macarons will lift up more easily due to the moisture. Don't let them sit there in it too long or they will become soggy.
Fill the shells with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ganache, then 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce, top with a peanut, a 3/4-inch circle of flattened marshmallow nougat, and a similarly-sized top shell. For the best flavor and texture, store in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before eating (see notes above for detailed explanation) but they are best if eaten within 5 days. Bring to room temperature before eating.
Milk Chocolate Ganache
3 oz. milk chocolate, roughly chopped
4 Tbsp heavy cream
In a small saucepan over medium high heat, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from heat, drop in the milk chocolate and let stand 5 minutes. Stir the chocolate into the cream until smooth. Set aside until it cools down and thickens a bit (chilling in the fridge or freezer is fine).
Marshmallow Peanut "Nougat"
3/4 cup marshmallows
2 Tbsp smooth peanut butter
In a heavy saucepan over medium low heat, melt marshmallows and peanut butter until smooth. Let cool. Once cooled you will be able to pull the "nougat" and from the saucepan and cut pieces to flatten in the palm of your hands and sandwich within the macarons.
Dulce de Leche
Adapted from Cooking for Engineers
Makes about 1 3/4 cups
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
Heavy cream, as needed
Pour into large (preferably 2 1/2-qt. capacity) microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium for 2 minutes. Whisk and repeat until appears curdled (around 7 to 10 minutes total, depending on your microwave oven). To use as a caramel sauce, simply stop heating at this point and stir the dulce de leche until smooth. For a thicker candy-like caramel, continue heating for another 2 minutes or so and stir until smooth again while still hot.
Peel the label off the can of sweetened condensed milk. Put it in a pressure cooker with enough water to come 2/3 up the can. Do NOT open the cans at all. The can won't explode because the pressure cooker equalizes the pressure, but please still proceed with caution and follow the manufacturer's directions for operating the pressure cooker safely! Close the pressure cooker, and bring it up to full pressure. Turn the heat down to maintain the pressure for 20 (lighter) to 30 (darker and thicker) minutes. Turn off the heat and and let the pressure cooker cool slowly. Once the cooker is completely cool, open the lid and remove the can with tongs. Do not open the can while it is still warm. If there's any pressure left in the can, it could spray and burn you with hot caramel. Wait until the can has completely cooled before opening it. Remove cooled caramel from can. If too thick for your liking, stir in 2 tablespoons of warm heavy cream at a time until desired consistency.
PREVIOUSLY: Chocolate Chunk Challah Bread French Toast
114 comments:
They look GREAT. Very, very professional.ReplyDelete
PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT is all I can say!! You did it and did it so well. Congrats:)ReplyDelete
They're SO BEAUTIFUL! Nice work!ReplyDelete
I love that cute little stand (candle holder?) and adore the composition of the last photo. Perfect placement of the milk bottle :)
I would be quite happy to eat those, even the ones that have fallen off. Come to think of it I would be happy to eat those from the first 4 batches:) You nailed it.ReplyDelete
Hooray! I did a little happy dance this morning when I saw the pics! I love the flavours of this one!ReplyDelete
Holy cow! Those are probably the awesomest macarons I've ever seen - or at least the ones I see myself devouring with Cookie Monster levels of delight.ReplyDelete
They look amazing - but with your talents how could they not? I'm still scared to try macarons - but I think one day I will have to do it (or maybe multiple days if it is going to take a few attempts).ReplyDelete
They look so beautiful! I am on a macaroon kick too. I've tried them twice. Second time was worlds better than the first. They fell apart in the fridge though. I'm going to give them another go!ReplyDelete
Way to go, Xiaolu! :) These are uh-mazing looking and probably even more amazing melting in my mouth. Wish I could reach thru the screen and try one.ReplyDelete
xo, Margaret :)
The Bite Size Baker
They are just perfect! You are a macaron queen.ReplyDelete
Wow! These look amazing! And I admire your perseverence! Gosh knows I would get wayyyyyy too frustrated!ReplyDelete
Those look fabulous! I can make vanilla macarons but if I try and add anything they don't turn out. I'm bookmarking this post for help with my next attemp!ReplyDelete
Beautiful macarons, Xiaolu. That said, macarons are the most difficult bakery things to master.ReplyDelete
Perfection. Beautiful job and delicious flavor choice.ReplyDelete
They look just out of the world Xiaolu.. I am in love with all ur shot.. Fabulous job.ReplyDelete
These are so beautiful, your whole blog is gorgeous! I'm so glad to be your newest follower! :)ReplyDelete
Xiaolu, these are absolutely gorgeous! You totally out did yourself and I love the idea of adding peanut meal! My kids are drooling. Can you come over and whip up a batch?ReplyDelete
yay! i see more macaron coming your way!ReplyDelete
I have to tell you, I have been avoiding attempting macarons now for AGES because they seem so damn intimidating! But yours do look so...cute. GAH! Alright, I'm in. Fifth times the charm, huh? Better go buy at least 5 dozen eggs.ReplyDelete
It was worth all the effort I guess :) They look SO SO SO PERFECT !!ReplyDelete
oooo congrats! i recall u saying tt ure forever not daring to attempt macarons, but the final results are well worth it rights? here's to a whole new world (of macarons) i'm love your snickers version, u sure went all out with them! i'm sure you'll be churning out diff flavours...s'mores, blackforest and etc, possibilities are endless! ^^ReplyDelete
These look so good! :DReplyDelete
Oh, YUM. Snickers Macarons! What an awesome idea - I've never had too much trouble with plain macarons, but I've never yet made a batch of chocolate ones that I'm happy with. Maybe I'll have to try yours!ReplyDelete
Oh no..I can't seem to find your other macaron posts.... Macaron's... I'm not sure if I should thank my family or cruse them for introducing them to me. One aspect I've learned over the years with making macaron's... I would have perfect batches then suddenly, an epic fail, it's quite a fault of my own for not using my oven temp each time... which I thought would have cured once I bought a very expensive oven.. NOT THE CASE. When I use fresh eggs I freeze them, rather than age them, something I learned from my pastry chef, then there are times I like using egg white powder... what I've found most difficult for me was adding flavors / powders or liquid and not allowing it to alter the recipe to where the macaron's fail.ReplyDelete
Snickers... OMG GOSH, okay, you are bringing back some childhood memories now, I have not had one of those sine I was 10... sounds like such a great pair!!!
Kudos to you for not giving up, the macarons look perfect. You're inspiring me to try again after failing my first attempt!ReplyDelete
A happy FEET Mac dance for you, X :) They look perfect and gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Thanks for the fast responses and support everyone! It was definitely worth it and Michelle, I am soooo excited to be able to start exploring flavor ideas soon. May have to try out your chestnut filling mmmm. Pickyin, please do give it another go. You'll get it soon!ReplyDelete
You know, I really want to give macarons a go myself. I think I need to do a bit more taste testing research though ;) Yours look divine, bravo! I was following your progress on twitter. Well done! The learning process in cooking is a fabulous thing :)ReplyDelete
Heidi xo
Congrats on a super successful batch!ReplyDelete
Your macarons look super delicious, I love snickers too so I bet I would love these! Glad that your attempts succeeded :)ReplyDelete
I can't resist but to leave a comment. Your macarons are gorgeous!! I love tall feet and yours have them!ReplyDelete
Makes me feeling like whipping up a bunch now. U go babe! ;)
Eu gosto muito da musica no seu vídeo. Parabens!ReplyDelete
Breathtakingly beautiful macaroons and photos! A definite home-run!ReplyDelete
These sound heavenly! I've never even tried these in bakeries or restaurants. I need to get on that. Beautiful photos in this post too Xiaolu!ReplyDelete
These are gorgeous and look so so yummy! Hopefully I'll get these right and have my second successful attempt at macarons!ReplyDelete
This flavor combo sounds insane, I'm definitely excited for this.
Great site! Thanks for all the tips on macarons. I'll have to try them soon.ReplyDelete
perfect looking macarons!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous macarons Xialou and I love the snickers spin on them! They look SO delicious!ReplyDelete
I've still not attempted macarons. I've wanted to for a long time, but I've been put off by all the horror stories. Thanks for sharing all your tips, I have filed these away for the day I feel brave enough to attempt making them.
Congratulations on your macaron success! And what an awesome flavor. I've certainly had my share of hits and misses with macarons, temperamental little things!ReplyDelete
Thanks again,everybody! For those who haven't tried macs yet, I promise they're not as intimidating as they sound. If you fold slowly and evaluate every few folds when the batter is close to ready, you really shouldn't need to go through as many trials as I did 8)ReplyDelete
Xiaolu, I follow you on Twitter - and I saw your tweets about these Snickers macs! Hehehe ...ReplyDelete
Yea ... Your persistence did pay off! Totally deserved it. I made these macs, too, but for the shells, I've been using and tweaking Hisako Ogita's recipe. Fillings-wise, yes, I used Helene's for these. Here are mine:
Of course, mine aren't as good as yours. =)
Oh my god, this is exceptional. Firstly, amazing amazing photos, second of all, Snickers, macarons, together? Hurrah! (I wish the individual macaron bit meant 'portion control' too but we all know that nobody stops at having one :p) I was also just wondering, do you reckon you would ever do a post on food photography/some tips? :)ReplyDelete
Your macarons look wonderful! Congratulations to you for persevering. There's nothing like mastering a recipe that you've really struggled with!ReplyDelete
Oh my word!!! Snickers macarons?! Now this is my kind of macaron. They look absolutely stunning. :)ReplyDelete
What perfect macs! Big congrats, it's such a fabulous feeling when you get that first good batch :)ReplyDelete
Just when I wondered if I would ever have a reason to purchase a pressure cooker, you've presented me with the perfect excuse! A Snickers themed dessert isn't a strange concept to us here in Oz thanks to the very talented Phillipa Sibley http://www.philippasibley.com/newsReplyDelete
but I'm saving a very special day to try out these tempting macarons!
These look really decadent! Love it.ReplyDelete
I was JUST talking to a coworker about how macarons are hard to make and here is this post agreeing. Well, I am glad you stuck with it. These look great!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 29, 2011 at 2:47 PM
These look great! I REALLY want to make them, but I dont' have a scale to measure out the ingredients :(. I know you said not to convert anything, but is there any chance you know the equivalents in other measurements? Any help would be much appreciated!ReplyDelete
If you really want to try them without a scale, you can try this recipe from Martha Stewart which *I HAVE NEVER TRIED* http://www.marthastewart.com/319525/parisian-macaroons and ADD 2 Tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use 2 Tbsp LESS powdered sugar. BUT I honestly think it's more worth it to spend the money and buy a cheap scale than to waste the money for ingredients (nuts aren't cheap!), effort, and time to make them without a scale and therefore make success much less likely. That being said, even if they don't look perfect, they would probably still taste good. Please let me know how it goes for you! =)ReplyDelete
Lovely food presentation as always and the macaroons look gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Love them!! Absolutely gorgeous, congratulations!ReplyDelete
OH MY GOD . snickers macaroons? they look fabulaous Im bookmarking these to make one day soon. I ve always wanted to try making macaroons but have nevr been inspired enuf to make them. I think I hv foub my inspiration. Beautiful photos Xiaolu!ReplyDelete
Snickers are my all time favorite candy bar and this sounds absolutely divine! I am bookmarking these, and one day when I work up the nerve to try making macarons, these will be the first ones I make! Yummy!ReplyDelete
- Sips and SpoonfulsApril 30, 2011 at 3:43 AM
My my...you really don't give up eh! Well done, they look pretty perfect to me. And thanks for all the great tips!ReplyDelete
Wonderful photos and tutorial. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again."ReplyDelete
Just wanted to say again how beautiful your macarons, and that picture is. Love that banner. :)ReplyDelete
I had so many failures with macarons that my couple of successes stand out in my mind. Apart from the fact we find them too sweet there hasn't been enough motivation to make them again.
Maybe I just should give it another go.
WOW WOW WOW! These look fabulous and the flavour sounds outstanding! What I would give to have one of these babies. Looking forward to more macarons to come :)ReplyDelete
Oh my, I'm drooling over here! I think I may need to make up the peanut nougat at the very least, that sounds absolutely killer.ReplyDelete
Very chocolatey and with perfect feet!ReplyDelete
Perfection! Thank you so much for sharing Xialu.ReplyDelete
Hi Xiaolu! beautiful macarons! just wish my mac shells are as consistent as yours!ReplyDelete
Wow these are really fantastic. I love the Snickers idea.ReplyDelete
Thanks again!ReplyDelete
Hannah - If I recall correctly, you made successful vegan macarons once. Were you able to adapt a chocolate version? I bet the nougat would be great with vegan marshmallows & you can make homemade coconut dulce de leche too.
Travellingfoodies - Thanks! Half my batches kept being total disasters until I realized my oven was heating unevenly and added a second pan to help insulate the top baking sheet. Keep trying and you'll figure out what works best =D
- AnonymousApril 30, 2011 at 6:51 PM
Ok yours look way better than Martha Stewarts. I'm going to borrow a scale from a friend :). Thanks though! Also, for the marshmallows, is it a cup of regular sized ones or mini?ReplyDelete
Aw thanks! I used regular-sized ones smushed well into the measuring cup, but feel free to use minis and maybe use slightly less than called for =). Good luck! I highly recommend watching the videos and reading the other sites I linked to get a feel for the process.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 30, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Alright I'm going to give them a go. I'll let you know how they turn out!ReplyDelete
You did so well Xiaolu! They look perfect!ReplyDelete
These macaroons look to die for or as my kid often say - to live for :) Thanks for you comment on my blog,Xiaolu - Love visiting you! please follow my blog if you are not already - Thanks dear :)ReplyDelete
Brilliant!! I've never built up the couraage to try making macarons myself, to be honest. Oooh, could you do a Crunchie-inspired macaron next? :DReplyDelete
Dear Xiaolu,ReplyDelete
Congratulations for being on top 9. A very well made post with beautiful pictures. The macaroons are looking PERFECT in flavor. I wanted to swipe few cookies right away frm the screen. I have seen couple of recipes around of macaroons, but urs is looking awesome and cant wait to try some. Its always fun to see your recipes. Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a great day !!!
always love macarons since they are gluten-free, although can be too sweet for me.ReplyDelete
Great pics! When it comes to trying anything for the 1st time, you try try and try until you get it right...trial and error :)ReplyDelete
I was just admiring some chocolate macarons at a trendy cafe in Mexico City yesterday before attending a chocolate tasting and viola here is a recipe. I'll wait until my kids are grown though before I try making these. I don't need any extra frustrations these days. I've got my hands full with my 2 year old. You never fail to impress me Xiaolu! Congrats on making the Top 9 AGAIN!ReplyDelete
I've been wanting to make macarons for quite some time now but have been intimidated to do so. I love that you shared your unsuccessful attempts and these wonderful pointers and tips on how to have them turn out as beautiful as yours (I sooooo wish I could eat a handful of them right now!).ReplyDelete
Wonderful job.
GREAT macaron idea, xiaolu! it's a winning combination of flavors, that's for sure, and your work looks perfect!ReplyDelete
Wow. They look so perfect! I know how difficult it is to make perfect macarons. Great job!ReplyDelete
Absolutely sensational my dear girl, absolutely so!! You do make it sound ever so easy, but it isn't really so, and I give you a big bow!! *BOW*!! These are perfect, pretty and beautifully photographed too. Thank you for getting them over to Mactweets. {Oh and I love the new look and your picture here too}. Yay for macs, yay for Twitter...and yay for you!ReplyDelete
Those macarons look SO professional and SO gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing! :)ReplyDelete
oh my gosh! those look PERFECT!!!ReplyDelete
Beautiful! They all look perfect! Macarons are really tricky, took me a few attempts to get it right too!ReplyDelete
This is such a creative idea and sooo chocolaty! Simply brilliant! :)ReplyDelete
You have scared me, I think I am going to wait to make macaroons some more time an just enjoy looking at yours! :)ReplyDelete
Awesome macaroons with great photos!ReplyDelete
Thanks everybody!ReplyDelete
Iike - Oh no! That wasn't the intention at all. I promise it's not that bad. I was probably also paying less attention because I was pretty ill while baking these too. Please give them a try!
I am at this very moment in the process of ruining my second ever batch of macarons :-), they're overcooking in the oven as I am typing this :-). I will try following your recipe next time - your macarons look fantastic :-).ReplyDelete
Those look super awesome! I will have to practise once I get back to melbReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Well, I gave your recipe a first attempt and did not succeed. They still tasted good, but the macarons were more like a chewy cookie and didn't have that light airy texture. They also didn't puff up :(. Looks like I need a lot more practice! I'll be so excited the day my macarons look like yours :)ReplyDelete
Sorry it didn't work but please keep trying :). Do you happen to have a photo? That would help me help you figure out what went wrong. Did the tops look oily? Did they crack? How long did you rest the macarons for before baking, how long did you bake for and at what temperature?ReplyDelete
You rocked these Snickers macarons! Wish I had them right about now. The banner is fabulous!ReplyDelete
These are just so clever and to think you did them 5 times just shows your dedication! I love that banner too, so adorable :DReplyDelete
Wow! They look absolutely sensational. I would have thought you were churning these babies out for years. And what a great flavour too, yum!ReplyDelete
What a fantastic flavor idea! Your picture is absolutely beautiful and I love the idea with the banner. The colors make it look very warm. Perfect!ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing the Snicker banner! Hehe really cute! I'm truly intimidated by macarons! First, I need to get a digital scale, ha! I'm really motivated to make these as I love Snickers :) To taste it, I guess I need to make 'em soon!ReplyDelete
I was going to say I love the banner and you have that handy tip right there. Thanks.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 2, 2011 at 3:43 PM
I do have a picture..I'll send it :) I let them sit for about 30 min and checked that they had a shell over them and then baked them at about 285 for 20 min. It was hard to tell when they were done. The first batch came out ok, with minimal cracking but they just didn't turn out like a macaron should be. Also, the caramel turned out to be more tacky than saucy and my macarons looked like a thick sandwich haha. I probably just over cooked the milk though. I'll send you a pic!ReplyDelete
Love the banner and LOVE how your macarons turned out! I love snickers, but have yet to venture out of the traditional almond macarons since I'm deeply afraid I'll screw up. Kudos to you for trying 5 times!! It took me at least a month to get over my first macaron failure before I tried again! ;pReplyDelete
Ah, these look PERFECT! And absolutely to DIE FOR! I think the 5 tries was worth it for these babies!!ReplyDelete
That first photo is ...right on the money. Gorgeous!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 3, 2011 at 4:42 PM
Perfect photography, Xiaolu! Wow!ReplyDelete
Laksmi (W)
Aw thanks, Laksmi! Didn't expect to see you here. Glad of it =DReplyDelete
Looks absolutely wonderful!ReplyDelete
Thanks for the videos! I've been so intimidated by macarons. Someday I'll give them a try!ReplyDelete
What else can I say... Sensational yet again. I believe with all my heart that I could subsist on these alone. Forever!ReplyDelete
Nice presentation of the snickers macarons! It took us several times until we got our macarons right, too. But we still have food flops (your "evidence" of failed attempts still looks delicious). Hope to see more of your macarons in the MacTweets roundup. :-)ReplyDelete
Not only beautiful macarons, but beautiful photography, as expected. I just love your images. So professional. Glad you kept trying with the macarons. 5 attempts is not a lot for these tricky little things! Well done.ReplyDelete
SERIOUSLY?! You are awesome. These look perfect! I love the flavor combination!ReplyDelete
Thanks all! I am overwhelmed by your support <3.ReplyDelete
He publicado este post en Mis Favoritas de la semana, si quieres verlo está en:ReplyDelete
Espero que te guste!
I agree that macarons are a learning curve - I tossed several batches before achieving a good one!ReplyDelete
Yours are flawless, sweetie, not to mention the flavor - amazing!
Hurray for finally triumphing over macarons! They look gorgeous. :) Thanks for all the great tips. I have yet to try making them but they've always been on my list of things to bake!ReplyDelete
I have to thank you! I followed your recipe and they turned out perfect! This was my first time ever doing Macarons and it was totally worth the time. Thank you for doing all the research.ReplyDelete
YAY! I'm so excited to hear that =D. Congrats on your macaron success and here's to many more in the future! I'd love to see a pic if you took any, but either way thanks for the feedback and happy holidays!ReplyDelete
Great macaron ideas - thank you for sharing! btw, here's a guide that shows how to start a macaron business www.TheMacaronMaster.com Enjoy! :)ReplyDelete
I love hearing from you all! Please leave me a message if you have questions, advice, or just to let me know you stopped by. Your feedback is always very much appreciated. Thanks! <3 Xiaolu


text:
Is PowerXPress support making it into 3.13?
Phoronix: The Major DRM Graphics Update Sent Into Linux 3.13
While many independent Phoronix articles have been covering the Linux 3.13 kernel changes for the individual DRM graphics drivers, the DRM subsystem pull request in its entirety was submitted yesterday for mainlining...
Is PowerXPress support making it into 3.13?
Still only some games working and if we try to use the daily things like compiz, unity, kwin, black screen or crash..
I love the way dri_prime work but still lacking a lot of funcionality from now.
From my personal viewpoint, still mor a development curiosity than a pratical use, yet.
Please, tell me I'm wrong and point me where if I'm... I really want to listen good news here.
There's no such issue with open drivers, because both nouveau and intel use Mesa. But Nvidia has their own opengl stack. Having two stacks working together properly requires that vendor-neutral library.
I'm on radeon pack..
I'm proprietary of a limbo powerexpress card. AMD 6850m
catalyst call it MUXED not suported and muxless.
Opensource prime already work for glzinfo, vmware, virtualbox ( with windows inside). But far, far away of a REAL screen on top.
Cant use with unity or compiz yet.
( if someone know how to parse the DROI_PRIME to start compiz/unity, please let me know..
Nor I try to aqsk about Nouveau.
From other side I know in maybe near future this cards will work inside open source qand catalyst/amd will forget them.
################################################## ##########
( if someone know how to parse the DROI_PRIME to start compiz/unity, please let me know..
################################################## ##########
The reason you can't have multiple drivers installed right now is because they have to provide libgl.so and they all conflict. So the new plan is to make libgl.so be a sort of launcher that loads the correct vendor-specific library, this way they can all co-exist on the same system. Right now the only way I know of that you could have Optimus working (which requires Intel drivers AND Nvidia drivers, but Nvidia replaces tons of Mesa stuff) is for the Nvidia driver to internally provide the Intel driver.
Once the new ABI is defined and set, multiple libgl's can exist together and be loaded as needed