I love a good Carrot Cake

There's a rumor afoot that we will whip up some White Bean Chicken Chili for tonight to ward off the snow and cold. But perhaps this could make an appearance as well.

And OSG, no raisins.

From the Amateur Gourmet.

Three Layer Carrot Cake
recipe by Edna Lewis & Scott Peacock
from "The Gift of Southern Cooking"

Ingredients:
For the cake-

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted after measuring
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup light-brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups peanut oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups finely grated carrots
• 1 1/2 cups not-too-finely chopped pecans
• Three 9-inch cake pans, lightly buttered and floured [I used Pam and also a parchment paper round, which I also sprayed and floured, just to be safe]
  

For the frosting-

• 12 Tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
• 24 ounces cream cheese, chilled
• 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
  

Preheat the oven to 350.

Put the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and cocoa in a mixing bowl and whisk together to blend.

Put the sugars in a large mixing bowl and whisk in the peanut oil.

Then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

When fully blended, add the flour mixture all at once, and mix just until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and the pecans.

Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.

Drop each pan sharply onto the counter from a height of about 6 inches to remove any air pockets. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center of the layers springs back gently when touched. [It took me more like 30 - 35 minutes; I figured it was better they were a little more cooked than undercooked, so the cake wouldn't fall apart.]

Remove from the oven, and place on cooling racks until completely cooled, then unmold.

To make the frosting: Cut the butter into 2-inch pieces, and put in the mixing bowl of an electric mixture. Mix on medium speed just until the butter begins to become malleable, about 3 - 4 minutes. Add the cream cheese in pieces and mix until thoroughly blended. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla, and mix until blended. Increase mixer speed slightly, and continue mixing for 2 - 3 minutes, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Remove from the mixer and fold in the pecans.

To assemble the cake: Place one of the cake layers, bottom side up, on a cake plate or pedestal. Spoon approximately a quarter of the frosting onto the layer, and spread it over evenly. Place a second layer, bottom side down, on top of the first, and spread with an equal amount of frosting. Place the final layer, bottom side down, on top of the others, and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Store in a cool but not refrigerated area until serving.

It's Snomageddon!

So here we are. Sunday night and the temperatures are down in the single digits. It likely due to the HUGE amount of snow cover out there. For those of you who may not have heard, we got a little snow over the weekend. It started on Friday afternoon and started to pile up all through Saturday. By the time it was all done there was about 24" of the white stuff on the front lawn.

I spent most of today digging out the cars from the driveway and shoveling the walk. Based on the amounts, I did not shovel off the deck or the side walk. Plus it would seem there is more snow on the way (see the prognosticators at Capital Weather Gang for more info) for Tuesday into Wednesday.

For the record, I could have gone to work tomorrow if the situation presented itself. But the Federal Government has announced that it will be closed tomorrow. This gives us another snow day (after the Snowpocalypse on December 19) for Snowmageddon in this winter of snowy weather. Remember my mother always used to say that the first time snow sticks on the street is how many storms you will have. The December storm was the first time. By my count, this storm was #4, with more this week and possibly (hey, don't kill the messenger) again next weekend.

In other news, they played the Super Bowl tonight. The ads were okay, but for once, I really enjoyed the game. Congratulations to the Saints! I am sure the French Quarter is rocking tonight.

So to all my DC federal friends, enjoy the snow day tomorrow. Let's see what the rest of the week brings.

LOST is Found - Tonight

The final season of Lost returns tonight. Here's a little something to get you ready for the season premiere. Borrowing from 24, here is the Crash of Flight 815. In. Real. Time. Cool!

French Onion Soup

Tomorrow is Groundhog Day and also Candlemas Day. So be sure to fire up those crepe pans and make some yummy goodness to ward off poverty.

To ward off the February chill, I might need to make some of this. After looking over the recipe, I might weep, it looks so good. Thanks Scott!

French Onion Soup

• 10 large onions (combination of red and sweet)
• 4 TB unsalted butter
• Salt/Pepper
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup unfiltered apple cider
• Fresh thyme, Bay leaf and Parsley wrapped in cheese cloth for a Bouquet Garni
• Fresh Bread cut into 1/2-1 inch pieces
• 1-2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
  

Preheat the oven to 350, place the roasting pan in the oven while you prep the onions.

Slice onions in half from end to end, the slice each half, in half, finely slice into thin slices. When the onions are sliced, remove the roasting pan from the oven and add the butter. The butter will melt, add onions and stir to coat with the butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Place onions in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove and stir. Return to the oven for one hour. Check about half way through the cooking time. After an hour, stir and return to the oven for another 30-60 minutes until the onions have reduced and taken on a dark, rich color.

Place the roasting pan over two burners on your stove top. Over high heat, add the wine. Stir to incorporate, bring to a boil and reduce by half. Add the broth and cider. Scrap up any bits of onion stuck to the pan. Pour all of the onions and broth into a large pot.

Place pot of low heat and add the Bouquet Garni, bring a low simmer, cover and cook for 20-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

To serve, pour soup into oven safe bowls. Top with bread croutons and grated cheese. Place under a broiler until golden brown and delicious. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

A Friday List - Movie Trailers

As many of you know, Friday nights at the Brave Astronaut Launch Pad is Movie Night for LBA. Tonight however, I am at Ford's Theatre, watching the new production of "The Rivalry," depicting the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, which grew as a result of their famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. The play opened on January 22 and is on a short run, closing February 13. I am not sure what's on the agenda for screening at the Launch Pad.

One of the best parts of going to the movies for me are the trailers that precede the feature presentation. It's an opportunity for me to see what films are coming out that I might get to see one day. (I should take this opportunity to give the shout-out to my MIL, who came into town last weekend - took LBA to see "The Princess and the Frog," brought dinner for all of us, and then babysat so Mrs. BA and I could get out to the movies. We saw "Up in the Air" and it was really good.

Some time ago (this has been sitting in my Google Reader star list for several months), IFC came out with a list of the Top 50 Trailers. Something I learned from the article? Trailers are called such because they use to follow the feature presentation. Who knew?

Here's the list. Discuss. I do tend toward the older films as so many of the modern films try to have a huge "impact" on the moviegoer (perhaps due in part to our limited attention spans). I also dislike those trailers that reveal the big jokes from the movie - so that when you finally see the movie, it is very anti-climactic. I'm sure there is something to be said here that the majority of the trailers that make this "Tops" list, are mysteries or thrillers.

50. Night of the Iguana (1964)

49. Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

48. The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)

47. Magnolia (1999)

46. Watchmen (2009)

45. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

44. The Big Sleep (1946)

43. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

42. Little Children (2006)

41. Maximum Overdrive (1986)

40. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

39. Zabriskie Point (1970)

38. Face/Off (1997)

37. The Strangers (2008)

36. Spider-Man (2001)

35. The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

34. The Minus Man (1999)

33. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

32. The Matrix (1999)

31. Corruption (1968)

30. Femme Fatale (2002)

29. Point Blank (1967)

28. The Bishop's Wife (1947)

27. A Night at the Opera (1935)

26. Speed (1994)

25. Real Life (1979)

24. Schindler's List (1993)

23. Red Eye (2005)

22. Sin City (2005)

21. Strange Days (1995)

20. She's Gotta Have It (1986)

19. Unbreakable (2000)

18. Sleeper (1973)

17. Charade (1963)

16. GoldenEye (1995)

15. Pulp Fiction (1994)

14. Garden State (2005)

13. Mr. Sardonicus (1961)

12. Independence Day (1996)

11. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

10. The Shining (1980)

9. Mission: Impossible (1996)

8. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

7. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

6. Citizen Kane (1941)

5. Comedian (2002)

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

3. Cloverfield (2008)

2. Psycho (1960)

1. Alien (1979)

Mashed Potatoes to Die For (They might kill you)

I love mashed potatoes, but even these might be a little much for me. These came up in a discussion over potatoes at Thanksgiving.

Mamaw's Mashed Potatoes (a.k.a. Code Blue Potatoes)
Serves 8-10

Chronicle Food & Wine intern Rachael Daylong made these for a staff lunch one day, and they were such a hit that we wanted them every week - despite what we knew had to be a huge amount of fat. Daylong says these potatoes, which can be partly made ahead, are a staple at every family gathering. The recipe comes from her grandmother, Ann Kurtz.

• 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sour cream, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish (optional)
  

Instructions: Place potato chunks in heavily salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender, about 10 minutes; drain.

Transfer potatoes to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl. Add cream cheese, sour cream, butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and pepper. Whip on medium speed with the whip attachment on a stand mixer or with a handheld beater for 3 minutes, or until smooth and no large lumps remain. Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper. At this point the potatoes may be refrigerated up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before continuing with recipe.

Preheat oven to 350°. Transfer the potato mixture to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish or a 9- by 13-inch pan. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is crisp and just beginning to brown and the potatoes are hot all the way through.

Per serving: 343 calories, 3 g protein, 5 g carbohydrate, 36 g fat (22 g saturated), 101 mg cholesterol, 630 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.

From the San Francisco Chronicle

One Year Later - A Loud Message

One year ago, I trudged out into the cold frosty morning here in Washington, DC to be a part of history, at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. While I was unable to get to my appointed station, I got home and watched the bulk of it on television (where it was warmer and there were donuts).

Yesterday evening, in a loud scream from the American electorate, specifically those in the Bay State, a message was sent to President Obama, "we're in trouble, and now, so are you." There is a lot of finger pointing going around today as to what happened, but congratulations to Scott Brown, the Senator-elect from Massachusetts. Although don't be surprised if some of the men listed below drop by and visit with you to make sure it all goes well. There have been some titanic figures in the Class I Senate seat from Massachusetts, and they may just want to make sure you are up to the task. Let's hope so.

On this day in 1961, people gathered for another historic inauguration, the first Catholic President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who had also held the historic Senate seat that was delivered to Scott Brown last night, when he defeated Attorney General Martha Coakley. He was young, telegenic, and he delivered a stirring, moving address. (If you are interested, you can follow @JFK_1960, as the JFK Library commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Kennedy's pursuit of the Democratic nomination for president. Here are some excerpts of JFK's inaugural address, which have some messages on how the President and the Congress might be able to proceed from this point.

"We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom - symbolizing an end as well as a beginning - signifying renewal as well as change."

"The world is very different now . . . And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God."

"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."

"This much we pledge - and more."

"To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do - for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder."

"So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."

"Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us."

"All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

United States Senators from Massachusetts (Class I):

• Tristram Dalton, 1789-1791
• George Cabot, 1791-1796
• Benjamin Goodhue, 1796-1800
• Jonathan Mason, 1800-1803
• John Quincy Adams, 1803-1808
• James Lloyd, 1808-1813
  
• Christopher Gore, 1813-1816
• Eli P. Ashmun, 1816-1818
• Prentiss Mellen, 1818-1820
• Elijah H. Mills, 1820-1827
• Daniel Webster, 1827-1841
• Rufus Choate, 1841-1845
  
• Daniel Webster, 1845-1850
• Robert C. Winthrop, 1850-1851
• Robert Rantoul, Jr, 1851
• Charles Sumner, 1851-1874
• William B. Washburn, 1874-1875
• Henry L. Dawes, 1875-1893
• Henry Cabot Lodge, 1894-1924
• William M. Butler, 1924-1926
• David I. Walsh, 1926-1947
• Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., 1947-1953
• John F. Kennedy, 1953-1960
• Benjamin A. Smith, 1960-1962
• Edward M. Kennedy, 1962-2009
• Paul G. Kirk, 2009-2010
• Scott Brown (Senator-elect), 2010-