Chicken in Tomato Sauce

One of my favorite dishes my mother made growing up was her version of chicken cacciatore.  She would brown some chicken pieces and then smother them in some tomato sauce and serve it up.  Tonight LBA, SoBA, and I had breakfast for dinner (though we were going to have meatloaf until I realized we only had one pound of ground beef in the house).  In learning that I discovered that we need to eat out of the freezer for a while - there's too much in there.

So time for some chicken dishes.  From Cafe Delites, via BuzzFeed.

MOZZARELLA CHICKEN IN TOMATO SAUCE
PREP TIME 1 min
COOK TIME 10 mins
TOTAL TIME 11 mins
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves 
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves 
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, halved to make 4 fillets 
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic 
• 1 cup your favourite Marinara tomato sauce 
• 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (adjust to your tastes) 
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat the broiler/grill to a medium heat setting. 
2. Combine the herbs in a shallow bowl with salt and pepper and oil. Coat both sides of each chicken fillet with the oil. Heat a large heavy oven-proof skillet over high heat. Add the fillets and pan fry on each side until golden (about 3 minutes on each side). 
3. Add the garlic to the same pan and allow to fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Spoon the marinara sauce over and around the chicken. Add the Italian seasonings into the sauce and stir them through. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella over each chicken fillet; transfer to the oven and broil / grill until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through (about 3 to 5 minutes). 
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parmesan cheese and serve over zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or with a salad!

The 50 Best Animated Films (so far)

With LBA and SoBA in the house, I've seen my fair share of animated films.  So when this list came out, I knew I needed to comment.  There's a lot on Japanese anime on this list, which I haven't seen many of.  What say you? My comments in italic. From The Playlist via kottke.

50. "Brave" - I haven't seen this movie. When Mrs. BA took the boys to see this, I went to see Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
49. “The Pirates! Band Of Misfits” (2012) - haven't seen it
48. “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” (2009) - a cute film.
47. “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003) - haven't seen it
46. “Frankenweenie” (2012) - I think LBA and SoBA have seen pieces of this
45. “Zootopia” (2016) - "What.  Do.  You.   Call.  A.  Three.  Humped.   Camel?        Pregnant."
44. “Kung Fu Panda” (2008) - Jack Black is pretty good.
43. “Shaun The Sheep Movie” (2015) - haven't seen it
42. “Paprika” (2006) - haven't seen it
41. “Song Of the Sea” (2014) - haven't seen it
40. “Sita Sings The Blues” (2008) - haven't seen it
39. “Boy & The World” (2013) - haven't seen it
38. “April And The Extraordinary World” (2015)  - haven't seen it
37. “The Adventures of Tintin” (2011) - I grew up reading these books and I enjoyed this movie.
36. “Ponyo” (2008) - haven't seen it
35. “The Illusionist” (2010) - haven't seen it
34. “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” (2006) - haven't seen it
33. “Ernest & Celestine” (2012) - haven't seen it
32. “Wolf Children” (2012) - haven't seen it
31. “The Secret Of Kells” (2009) - haven't seen it
30. “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) - Disney, and based on its ranking not one of the better ones, but not bad.
29. “Mary And Max” (2009) - haven't seen it
28. “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit” (2005) - a bit creepy, but amusing.
27. “Lilo & Stitch” (2002) - more Disney, and a cute film.
26. "Winnie The Pooh” (2011) - the books are better.
25. “Rango” (2011) - For some reason SoBA and LBA have a thing for this one.
24. “A Town Called Panic” (2009) - haven't seen it
23. “Millennium Actress” (2001) - haven't seen it
22. “Monster House” (2006) - haven't seen it
21. “How To Train Your Dragon” (2010) - SoBA and LBA also tend toward sequels, and this one is actually not as good as the second one.
20. “Finding Nemo” (2003) - into the Pixar movies we go - Mrs. BA and the boys went to see the sequel a week or so ago - I have yet to see it.  This one would be higher on my list.
19. “Monsters, Inc.” (2001) - MIKE WAZOWSKI!  KITTY! One of my favorites.
18. “Toy Story 3” (2010) - appropriate that this is here, the others are better, but I still can't watch the end of this one without crying.
17. “Anomalisa” (2015) - haven't seen it
16. “Coraline” (2009) - haven't seen it
15. “The Lego Movie” (2014) - well it is AWESOME.
14. “Ratatouille” (2007) - Mrs. BA doesn't like this one, because she doesn't do rats.
13. “Chicken Run” (2000) - I've seen pieces of it, but it's not one of my favorites.
12. “Persepolis” (2007) - haven't seen it
11. “Wall-E” (2008) - doesn't do it for me.
10. “The Wind Rises” (2013) - haven't seen it
9. “Waltz With Bashir” (2008) - haven't seen it
8. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009) - not a bad movie, but I wouldn't call it "animated"
7. “The Tale Of Princess Kaguya” (2013) - haven't seen it
6. “Inside Out” (2015) - I haven't seen this yet, but the boys have.
5. “The Triplets of Belleville” (2003) - haven't seen it
4. “It’s Such A Beautiful Day” (2012) - haven't seen it
3. “Up” (2009) - I don't know if this one should be this high?
2. “The Incredibles” (2004) - another good one but #2?
1. “Spirited Away” (2001) - haven't seen it

I'm wishing there were more Disney movies on this list.  101 Dalmatians?  Any of the Shrek movies?

Coffee-Caramel Creme Brulee

Mrs. BA and I just returned from a weekend jaunt to Boston, where she went on a field trip for her volunteer board work.  As part of that field trip, we enjoyed a really, really, really good dinner at The Country Club at Brookline.

We started with passed appetizers and cocktails in our private sitting room.  Then we moved into a private dining room and were served a deconstructed lobster roll (Mrs. BA, who's not fond of the crustaceans, was given a lamb carpaccio, which practically melted in her mouth).  We then had a cold summer squash soup, followed by the main course of a veal chop with crabmeat on top.  Dessert was a creme brulee.

So now, I need to have more creme brulee (I may have finished Mrs. BA's after finishing my own).  Here's a recipe that showed up in my inbox a while back.  Hey, I own a torch.  I have sugar and coffee in the house (from Epicurious).

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided 
• 1/4 cup dark-roast coffee beans (such as French roast; about 3/4 ounce), crushed with mallet in plastic bag 
• 1 cup sugar, divided 
• 1/2 cup water 
• 2 cups half and half 
• 8 large egg yolks 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 teaspoons raw sugar* 

Preparation
Bring 1 cup cream and coffee beans to simmer in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat; cover and let steep at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Boil without stirring until syrup is deep amber, swirling pan occasionally, about 11 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add remaining 1 cup whipping cream (mixture will bubble up). Stir over low heat until caramel is smooth. Stir in half and half. Strain coffee-infused cream into caramel cream; discard coffee beans in strainer.

Whisk yolks, salt, and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in cream mixture. Strain custard into large measuring cup.

Arrange eight 2/3-to 3/4-cup ramekins or custard cups in roasting pan. Divide custard among ramekins. Add enough warm water to roasting pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins or custard cups.

Bake custards until just set in center, 65 to 70 minutes. Transfer custards from water bath directly to refrigerator. Chill uncovered until cold, at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.

Sprinkle top of each custard with 1 teaspoon raw sugar. Using kitchen torch, melt sugar on each custard until deep amber. (Alternatively, preheat broiler. Arrange custards on small rimmed baking sheet; broil until sugar topping melts and browns, about 2 minutes.) Refrigerate custards until sugar topping hardens, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour (do not chill longer than 1 hour or topping will start to soften). Serve custards cold.

*  Also called turbinado or demerara sugar; available at most supermarkets and at natural foods stores.

Space: The Final Frontier

Today is the anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing, July 20, 1969.  As of today (and for the foreseeable future, it would seem), there have only been 12 men who have walked on the moon.  They are part of a group of individuals who have been in space.  Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how many people that is?

536

(as of November 2013, from Wikipedia)

So on this anniversary, here is a list of those "Brave Astronauts" who journeyed to the moon.  Of that number, only seven are still alive. (originally from kottke)

1. Neil Armstrong, 1930-2012
2. Buzz Aldrin, b. 1930
3. Pete Conrad, 1930-1999
4. Alan Bean, b. 1932
5. Alan Shepard, 1923-1998
6. Edgar Mitchell, 1930-2016
7. David Scott, b. 1932
8. James Irwin, 1930-1991
9. John W. Young, b. 1930
10. Charles Duke, b. 1935
11. Eugene Cernan, b. 1934
12. Harrison Schmitt, b. 1935

Here's a video mashup of space movies, for your entertainment (Luc Bergeron's Space Story, via kottke)

Raspberry Coffee Cake

I commented recently that it's possible that raspberries are my favorite fruit. That was when my neighbor produced some raspberry pie for me.  Then a week or so later, I fell victim to a Costco impulse purchase after getting a sample of their new coffee cake.  Now, with this recipe, I can combine the two.  From Just So Tasty via BuzzFeed.

Raspberry Coffee Cake 
Prep time: 35 mins 
Cook time: 55 mins 
Total time: 1 hour 30 mins 
Serves: One 9-inch Cake, about 10 pieces 

Ingredients 
For the Streusel

• ½ cup cold, unsalted butter cut into cubes 
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled 
• ⅓ cup lightly packed brown sugar, light or dark 
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar 
• 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 

For the Coffee Cake

• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt, to taste 
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 
• ¾ cup granulated sugar 
• 2 large eggs 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla 
• ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature 
• ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature 
• 2 and ½ cups fresh raspberries (I do not recommend using frozen berries because they'll add too much water to the cake) 

For the Glaze

• 3 tablespoons milk, half-and-half or cream 
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla 
• 1 cup icing/confectioner's/powdered sugar 

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Grease a 9 inch round springform pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray and lightly flour. Set aside. 
2. Make the streusel. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugars & cinnamon used in the streusel whisking gently. Add the ½ cup butter cut into chunks and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly and similar in consistency to wet sand. Set aside. 
3. Make the cake batter. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl using a hand-held or electric mixer beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add in the eggs and vanilla and continue beating until combined (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Turn off the mixer and stir in the sour cream using a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Then turn back on the mixer to low and carefully add in about ½ half of the flour mixture followed by about ½ of the buttermilk. Repeat with the second half of the flour mixture and buttermilk until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl using your rubber spoon or spatula as necessary until well combined. 
4. Pour/spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Place the raspberries on top of the cake batter to create an even layer. Then sprinkle the streusel on top of the raspberries by crumbling it in between your fingers & fists until an even layer of crumble covers the raspberries. 
5. Bake in your prepared oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick in the center of the cake comes out clean. 
6. Gently trace around the edges of the pan with a thin knife, then allow the cake to cool fully in the pan.
7. To make the glaze, whisk together the milk/cream, vanilla & powdered sugar until a smooth consistency is reached and no lumps remain. Add a little extra milk/cream or powdered sugar as necessary. Then when ready to serve unclamp the ring around the springform pan, cut into pieces and drizzle with glaze.

Space Story: A Bad Day

I am the Brave Astronaut. I like space stuff. Here's a new video mashup from Luc Bergeron, entitled "Space Story: A Bad Day." There's also a "sequel," Space Story 2: Suicide Mission. via kottke

Here's the list of films used in the mashup:

1. The Martian
2. Gravity
3. Aliens
4. 2001: A Space Odyssey
5. Interstellar
6. Moon
7. Apollo 13
8. Prometheus
9. Event Horizon
10. Sunshine
11. Mission to Mars
12. Oblivion
13. The Fifth Element
14. Armageddon
15. Elysium
16. Starship Troopers
17. Avatar
18. Transformers 3
19. Jupiter Ascending
20. Guardians of the Galaxy
21. Star Trek: Into Darkness
22. Star Wars 7
23. Star Wars 6
24. Star Wars 5
25. Star Wars 4

The New Englandah Burgah

I'm one of those people that likes to dip bacon or sausage in maple syrup.  When I spotted this recipe, I knew that I've found something worthwhile trying to create at the launchpad. From Food52 via BuzzFeed.
The New Englandah Burgah
By Chef Jason Royal
July 19, 2010

Author Notes: This came from my mind when I was a student at The Culinary Institute of America. We had to create a menu item based on where we lived. Since I am from New England I created this burger with ingredients that you can find or originate in New England. This was a hit at both the CIA and at the restaurant I worked at. - Chef Jason Royal

Food52 Review: We were intrigued not only by the name of this burger, but by the juxtaposition of savory and sweet. This could easily go too far, but Chef Jason manages to rein it in, inspiring harmony rather than a cacophony of flavors. The burger themselves have a faint sweetness from the maple syrup, and this is enhanced by the grilled apples; the salty crunch of the bacon and the tang of cheddar provide the perfect counterpoints. This is a burger that requires a ravenous appetite and begs to be eaten in generous mouthfuls, each including all of the different components. - The Editors

Makes 2 large burgers

• 1 pound 80-85% lean Black Angus ground beef 
• 1/4 cup Pure New England maple syrup, plus more for basting 
• 4 thick slices applewood smoked bacon 
• 1 MacIntosh apple 
• 4 slices Vermont cheddar cheese 
• 2 Bulkie rolls 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 2 bottles blueberry beer

1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well using your hands. Form into 2 8-ounce patties. Set aside in the refrigerator. 
2. Cook the bacon on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. Peel and slice the apple. Place in small bowl and sprinkle lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning. 
3. Place the apple slices on grill and cook for about one minute on each side. Remove and set aside. 
4. Grill the burgers over high heat, turn after 3 or 4 minutes and move to a cooler part of the grill. Drizzle some maple syrup over the burgers as they cook. Toast the buns as the burgers cook. 
5. When the burgers are cooked to your liking, take two slices or more of bacon and place on top of each burger. Arrange some apple slices on top of the bacon. 
6. Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger, cover the grill and let melt for about a minute. 
7. Place the burgers on the buns. 
8. Serve with blueberry beer. 
9. Enjoy.

Happy Independence Day! Toast to the Founders!

Today is the 240th birthday for the United States.  It is also the 87th birthday of The Brave Astronaut's Father - so if you see him, be sure to wish him a happy day.  The Clan will be in NY soon to wish him well along with my siblings. There is likely to be card playing, which comes with greasy cheese pizza and drinking.

So here's a few Sangria recipes to keep us lubricated during the visit.  Hey Brave Astronaut Sister get those ingredients.  The Brave Astronaut Brother should plan to stop at the NH State Liquor Store!

If anyone is interested, I would like the first and the last over the other two.

Strawberry Lemonade Sangria
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients

• 2 lbs strawberries, sliced 
• 1 lemon, sliced 
• 1 bottle white wine 
• 1 cup white rum 
• 4 cups lemonade 
• 2 cups champagne 
• Lemon slices for garnish

Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine the strawberries, lemon, wine, rum, and lemonade. Stir until mixed. Chill for at least 4 hours. Add the champagne, then serve with a lemon slice on each glass!

Mixed Berry Sangria

Servings: 6-8
Ingredients

• 1 cup blackberries 
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced 
• 1 cup blueberries 
• 1 bottle red wine 
• 1 cup brandy 
• 3 cups apple juice 
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda 
• Strawberries for garnish 

Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine the blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, red wine, brandy, and apple juice. Stir until mixed. Chill for at least 4 hours. Add the lemon-lime soda, then serve with a strawberry on each glass!

Mango Pineapple Sangria
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients

• 2 cups pineapple, diced 
• 3 mangos, diced 
• 1 bottle red wine 
• 1 cup brandy 
• 3 cups pineapple juice 
• 2 cups orange soda 
• Pineapple wedges for garnish 

Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine the pineapples, mangoes, wine, brandy, and pineapple juice. Stir until mixed. Chill for at least 4 hours. Add the soda, then serve with a pineapple wedge on each glass!

Raspberry Peach Sangria 
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:

• 3 white peaches, sliced 
• 2 cups raspberries 
• 1 bottle rosé 
• 1 cup white rum 
• 4 cups peach nectar 
• 1 cup champagne 
• Peach slices for garnish 

Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine the peaches, raspberries, rosé, rum, and peach nectar. Stir until mixed. Chill for at least 4 hours. Add the champagne, then serve with a peach slice on each glass!

Wait, How Old Were They?

We have arrived at the final post for the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Next week we will celebrate the independence of our nation - and of course, there will be the traditional viewing of 1776, but please take a moment to peruse the list below - noting the ages of the "Founding Fathers" and other prominent personalities of the age on July 4, 1776 [from the Journal of the American Revolution, via kottke].

1. Andrew Jackson, 9
2. (Major) Thomas Young, 12
3. Deborah Sampson, 15 
4. James Armistead, 15 
5. Sybil Ludington, 15 
6. Joseph Plumb Martin, 15 
7. Peter Salem, 16* 
8. Peggy Shippen, 16 
9. Marquis de Lafayette, 18 
10. James Monroe, 18 
11. Charles Pinckney, 18 
12. Henry Lee III, 20 
13. Gilbert Stuart, 20 
14. John Trumbull, 20 
15. Aaron Burr, 20 
16. John Marshall, 20 
17. Nathan Hale, 21
18. Banastre Tarleton, 21 
19. Alexander Hamilton, 21* 
20. John Laurens, 21 
21. Benjamin Tallmadge, 22 
22. Robert Townsend, 22 
23. George Rodgers Clark, 23 
24. David Humphreys, 23 
25. Gouveneur Morris, 24 
26. Betsy Ross, 24 
27. William Washington, 24 
28. James Madison, 25 
29. Henry Knox, 25 
30. John Andre, 26 
31. Thomas Lynch, Jr., 26^ 
32. Edward Rutledge, 26^ 
33. Abraham Woodhull, 26 
34. Isaiah Thomas, 27 
35. George Walton, 27*^ 
36. John Paul Jones, 28 
37. Bernardo de Galvez, 29 
38. Thomas Heyward, Jr., 29^ 
39. Robert R. Livingston, 29 
40. John Jay, 30 
41. Tadeusz Kosciuszko, 30 
42. Benjamin Rush, 30^ 
43. Abigail Adams, 31 
44. John Barry, 31 
45. Elbridge Gerry, 31^ 
46. Casimir Pulaski, 31 
47. Anthony Wayne, 31 
48. Joseph Brant, 33 
49. Nathanael Greene, 33 
50. Thomas Jefferson, 33^ 
51. Thomas Stone, 33*^ 
52. William Hooper, 34^ 
53. Arthur Middleton, 34^ 
54. James Wilson, 34*^ 
55. Benedict Arnold, 35
56. Samuel Chase, 35^ 
57. Thomas Knowlton, 35 
58. William Paca, 35^ 
59. John Penn, 35^ 
60. Hercules Mulligan, 36 
61. Andrew Pickens, 36 
62. Haym Solomon, 36 
63. John Sullivan, 36 
64. George Clymer, 37^ 
65. Charles Cornwallis, 37 
66. Thomas Nelson, Jr., 37^ 
67. Ethan Allen, 38 
68. Charles Carroll, 38^ 
69. King George III, 38 
70. Francis Hopkinson, 38^ 
71. Carter Braxton, 39^ 
72. George Clinton, 39 
73. John Hancock, 39^ 
74. Daniel Morgan, 39 
75. Thomas Paine, 39 
76. Patrick Henry, 40 
77. Enoch Poor, 40 
78. John Adams, 40^ 
79. Daniel Boone, 41 
80. William Floyd, 41^ 
81. Button Gwinnett, 41*^ 
82. John Lamb, 41* 
83. Francis Lightfoot Lee, 41^
84. Paul Revere, 41 
85. Thomas Sumter, 41 
86. Robert Morris, 42^ 
87. Thomas McKean, 42^ 
88. George Read, 42^ 
89. John Dickinson, 43 
90. John Glover, 43 
91. Benjamin Edes, 43 
92. Samuel Huntington, 44^ 
93. Richard Henry Lee, 44^ 
94. Charles Lee, 44 
95. Francis Marion, 44 
96. Lord North, 44 
97. George Washington, 44 
98. Joseph Galloway, 45 
99. Robert Treat Paine, 45^ 
100. Friedrich von Steuben, 45 
101. Richard Stockton, 45^ 
102. Martha Washington, 45 
103. William Williams, 45^ 
104. (Dr.) Thomas Young, 45* 
105. Josiah Bartlett, 46^ 
106. Henry Clinton, 46 
107. Joseph Hewes, 46^ 
108. William Howe, 46 
109. George Ross, 46^ 
110. William Whipple, 46^ 
111. Caesar Rodney, 47^ 
112. John Stark, 47 
113. Mercy Otis Warren, 47 
114. William Ellery, 48^ 
115. Horatio Gates, 48 
116. Artemas Ward, 48 
117. Oliver Wolcott, 49^ 
118. Abraham Clark, 50^ 
119. Benjamin Harrison, 50^ 
120. George Mason, 50 
121. Lewis Morris, 50^ 
122. Lord Stirling, 50 
123. George Wythe, 50*^ 
124. Guy Carleton, 51 
125. John Morton, 51*^ 
126. Comte de Rochambeau, 51
127. Lyman Hall, 52^ 
128. James Rivington, 52* 
129. Samuel Adams, 53^ 
130. Comte de Grasse, 53 
131. John Witherspoon, 53^ 
132. John Burgoyne, 54 
133. Johann de Kalb, 55
134. Roger Sherman, 55^ 
135. Thomas Gage, 56 
136. James Smith, 56^ 
137. Israel Putnam, 58 
138. Comte de Vergennes, 58 
139. Lewis Nicola, 59* 
140. George Germain, 60 
141. Philip Livingston, 60^ 
142. George Taylor, 60*^ 
143. Matthew Thornton, 62^ 
144. Francis Lewis, 63^ 
145. John Hart, 65*^ 
146. Stephen Hopkins, 69^ 
147. Benjamin Franklin, 70^ 
148. Samuel Whittemore, 81

*  Evidence may exist that this age is not precise, or only a birth year is known
^  Signers of the Declaration of Independence (average signer age was 44)

Cashew Caramel Shortbread

I like cashews.  I like caramel. I like shortbread.  Mrs. BA, can I get some of these? From bakerita via BuzzFeed.

Cashew Caramel Shortbread Bars
Prep time 20 mins
Cook time 40 mins
Total time 1 hour
Serves: 16 bars

Ingredients
For the shortbread

• ⅔ cup butter, softened 
• ¼ cup white sugar 
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 

For the caramel

• ¾ cups sugar 
• ½ cup heavy cream 
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, roughly cut into pieces 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• 1¼ cups salted roasted cashews

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. 
2. In a medium bowl, mix together ⅔ cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly. Press into a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven but keep it on. Let cool while you prepare the caramel cashew layer. 
3. Place sugar in a nonstick saucepan over medium high heat. Let stand until bottom layer of sugar begins to melt, then start stirring, continuing to stir until sugar has turned light brown in color and smooth in texture. Pour in heavy cream, being careful of it splattering. Stir constantly until mixture is smooth again, about 5 minutes. Turn down heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and salt. Take mixture off heat and stir in cashews. Pour mixture into pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the caramel is all bubbling. 
4. Let cool completely before cutting. Cut into 16 bars.

That's Great - But Where are the Archives?

I would be remiss if I didn't post where you could find out more about these brave men who forged the document that guarantees our freedom.

All of the signers are linked to a website from "ushistory.org."  The landing page is here.  I have linked the states to my blog series on the States of the Union.

If you are interested in learning more about the signers, please consult their archives:

1. John Adams (MA) - at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
2. Samuel Adams (MA) - at the New York Public Library.
3. Josiah Bartlett (NH) - there is a Bartlett Museum in Amesbury, MA, and there is an online finding aid for some Bartlett family papers at the Library of Congress.
4. Carter Braxton (VA) - there's a body of papers scattered across several repositories, here's a list.
5. Charles Carroll (MD) - primarily found at the Maryland Historical Society.
6. Samuel Chase (MD) - there is an extensive essay found at the Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
7. Abraham Clark (NJ) - a small collection of Clark's papers exist in several repositories, here's a list.
8. George Clymer (PA) - there is a small collection of Clymer correspondence at the American Philosophical Society.
9. John Dickinson (PA) - there is a collection of Dickinson papers at the college named for him.
10. William Ellery (RI) - at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
11. William Floyd (NY) - a limited collection, but you can visit the Floyd family home on Long Island.
12. Benjamin Franklin (PA) - Franklin's papers are available online through a collaborative project between the American Philosophical Society and Yale University.
13. Elbridge Gerry (MA) - on microfilm at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
14. Button Gwinnett (GA) - a very small collection of correspondence is scattered across several repositories, here's a list from the Congressional Biographical Directory.
15. Lyman Hall - a very small collection of correspondence is scattered across several repositories, here's a list from the Congressional Biographical Directory.
16. John Hancock (MA) - at Harvard University.
17. John Hart (NJ) - a very small collection - here's a list.
18. Benjamin Harrison (VA) - There's a collection of Harrison's papers at the Library of Virginia.
19. Joseph Hewes (NC) - scattered across several repositories, here's a list from the Congressional Biographical Directory.
20. Thomas Heyward, Jr. (SC) - no major body of papers exists for Heyward.
21. William Hooper (NC) - there is a good biography of Hooper at the North Carolina History Project.
22. Stephen Hopkins (RI) - bits and pieces across several repositories, see this list from the Congressional Biographical Directory.
23. Frances Hopkinson (NJ) - a finding aid is available online from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for the Hopkinson Family Papers.
24. Samuel Huntington - a scattered, small collection is listed here.
25. Thomas Jefferson (VA) - two extensive bodies of papers exist for Jefferson, at the Library of Congress and the University of Virginia.
26. Richard Henry Lee (VA) - there's a collection at the American Philosophical Society.
27. Francis Lightfoot Lee (VA) - a small scattered collection exists - here's a list.
28. Francis Lewis (NY) - a very limited collection is listed here.
29. Philip Livingston (NY) - there are materials on Philip spread across many repositories, here's a list.
30. Robert Livingston (NY) - at the New York Historical Society.
31. Thomas Lynch, Jr. (SC) - like the man itself, who vanished, no body of papers appears to be extant for Lynch.
32. Thomas McKean (DE) - some materials at the University of Pennsylvania.
33. Arthur Middleton (SC) - there is a collection of Middleton's papers as well as the family's papers at the South Carolina Historical Society.
34. Lewis Morris (NY) - a small scattered collection, here's a list.
35. Robert Morris (PA) - there is a sizable collection at the Library of Congress.
36. John Morton (PA) - you can read this essay on Morton at the Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
37. Thomas Nelson, Jr. (VA) - there's a collection of gubernatorial papers at the Library of Virginia.
38. William Paca (MD) - a finding aid of Paca's papers at the Maryland State Archives may be found here.
39. Robert Treat Paine (MA) - at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
40. John Penn (NC) - a essay on Penn is at the Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
41. George Read (DE) - a scattered collection, here's a list.
42. Cesar Rodney (DE) - some correspondence exists at the New York Public Library.
43. Benjamin Rush (PA) - a prolific writer, there are Rush papers at several repositories, including the University of Pennsylvania and the American Philosophical Society.  Here's a complete list.
44. Edward Rutledge (SC) - there is a small collection of materials at Duke University.
45. Roger Sherman (CT) - the majority of Sherman's papers are at Yale University.
46. James Smith (PA) - the majority, if not all of Smith's papers were destroyed in a fire.  Here's an essay on Smith from the Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration.
47. Richard Stockton (NJ) - there is a collection of the Stockton Family Papers at Princeton University.  Here's a finding aid.
48. Thomas Stone (MD) - no significant body of Stone papers have ever been located, here's a list of Stone material appearing in other collections.
49. George Taylor (PA) - another obscure delegate with little "backstory" - here's an essay from the Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration.
50. Matthew Thornton (NH) - a very small collection is listed in the Congressional Biographical Dictionary.
51. George Walton (GA) - a manuscript collection is located at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
52. William Whipple (NH) - another small collection is described in the Congressional Biographical Dictionary.
53. William Williams (CT) - there is a manuscript collection at Yale University.
54. James Wilson (PA) - there's a collection of Wilson papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
55. John Witherspoon (NJ) - a collection at Princeton and the New Jersey Historical Society.
56. Oliver Wolcott (CT) - there is a collection of Oliver Wolcott papers at the Connecticut Historical Society.
57. George Wythe (VA) - a small collection of Wythe's papers are at the College of William and Mary.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Taco Night is a big hit at the Launchpad, especially for LBA.  On those occasions when we go out to a Mexican restaurant, I will often order the fajitas, if they are on the menu.  Now I can make them at home!  From Cooking Classy via BuzzFeed.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 9 fajitas

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves 
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies 
• 1 red, orange and green bell pepper, julienned 
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced 
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 1/2 tsp chili powder 
• 2 tsp ground cumin 
• 1 tsp paprika 
• 3/4 tsp ground coriander 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 3/4 tsp pepper 
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp honey 
• For serving: Flour tortillas, sour cream, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, monterrey jack or cheddar cheese

Directions
Pour half of the canned tomatoes into the bottom of a slow cooker and spread into an even layer. Top with half of the peppers and half of the onions. Sprinkle garlic in. Top with chicken breasts.

In a bowl whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper. Evenly sprinkle half of the seasoning over chicken breasts then flip chicken and sprinkle in remainder. Top with remaining half of the tomatoes, then layer in remaining peppers and onions.

Cover and cook on HIGH heat 3 - 4 hours or low heat 6 - 8 hours, until chicken has cooked through and veggies are tender (note that if you want to be able to cut chicken into strips cook more near lesser time on HIGH or LOW, otherwise it will probably just shred, which is also fine).

Remove chicken, and cut into strips, or shred. Ladle out 1 cup of the broth in slow cooker (mostly tomato liquid) and discard. In a small bowl whisk together lime juice and honey and add to slow cooker along with chicken and season with additional salt to taste if desired. Gently toss. Sere warm in warmed tortillas with sour cream and optional guacamole, cheese and salsa.

Recipe source: Cooking Classy

Twix Cookies

LBA is fond of the Twix bar (it's one of the candies he can eat).  I think that Mrs. BA should whip up a batch of these for everyone's good. From This Grandma is Fun via BuzzFeed.

Twix Cookies

Ingredients

• 1½ cups softened butter 
• 1 cup powdered sugar 
• 3 cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• 15 oz caramel **See notes 
• 2 cups milk choc chips 
• 2 tsp shortening 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
2. Cream butter and sugar together. Add your vanilla, flour and salt. Mix well. 
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ½ inch thick. 
4. To cut cookies you can use a biscuit cutter or I just used a small glass that was 2 inches wide. 
5. Place round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet. 
6. Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes. 
7. Let cookies cool. 
8. Melt caramel and spread the caramel over the cooled cookies. 
9. Let caramel cool completely. 
10. Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt in the microwave. Use a microwave safe bowl and watch so that the chocolate does not burn. 
11. Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel. 
12. Let chocolate set before serving. 
13. Do not put in the refrigerator as it will discolor the chocolate. 

Notes 
I use Peter's caramel which comes in a 5 lb block. You can just cut off what you need, melt it and it's ready to go. If you use the Kraft caramels, follow the instructions on the bag for melting.

Shortbread recipe adapted by Food Network

Signers: Virginia

For our last state in our series, we look at the Commonwealth of Virginia, producer of our first President, and several more after that.

Virginia

• Carter Braxton (1736-1797), was a farmer who lost most of his property and fortune in the course of the Revolution.  Braxton arrived in the Congress after the death of Peyton Randolph.  He invested heavily in privateers in the war and wound up in debt following the end of the war.
• Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791), was the patriarch of a political family - his son, William Henry Harrison served as the ninth President.  Benjamin Harrison also served as Speaker of the Virginia Legislature and Governor of Virginia.
• Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), was the author of the Declaration and served as the Third President of the United States. A true Renaissance man, Jefferson served in the Virginia legislature, the state's Governor, Minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice President, and President.  The Thomas Jefferson Pizza at Declaration features smithfield ham, arugula, lemon, olive oil, oven roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella.
• Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797), was Richard Henry Lee's younger brother, the only brothers in the Continental Congress.  He was an avid proponent of independence.
• Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), is the individual who proposed the resolution on American independence.  He later served as the President of the Congress while also serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
• Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738-1789), was a farmer and military leader in the early days of the American Revolution.  He served in the Congress until 1779 until frail health led him to return to Virginia.
• George Wythe (1726-1806), was a prominent member of the Virginia delegation and made his greatest impact in the field of education.  An early abolitionist, Wythe provided for his slaves to receive a portion of his estate's lands in his will.  Upon learning of this, one of Wythe's relatives poisoned several of the slaves with arsenic, also killing Wythe in the process.

Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes

I'm always on the look out for new recipes, especially those that SoBA and LBA will eat.  Even though this has vegetables in it (carrots), even Mrs. BA might eat this.  And it's quick, which is a plus - I've found recently that I don't have the will to get started on dinner when I get home at night.  Via BuzzFeed.

Oven-Baked Honey-Dijon Chicken With Carrots and Potatoes
Recipe by Christine Byrne
Makes 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts) 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 
• 3 medium red bliss potatoes (about ½ lb), roughly chopped 
• 2 medium carrots (about ½ lb), peeled and roughly chopped 
• 1 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage leaves, divided 
• 1 tsp honey 
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard 

PREPARATION
Remove the chicken breasts from the fridge, dry them with paper towels, and season them with salt and pepper.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Place the potatoes and carrots on a large sheet pan and toss them with ½ tablespoon canola oil, ½ tablespoon chopped herbs, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground pepper.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the remaining canola oil, the honey, mustard, the remaining chopped herbs, a big pinch of kosher salt, and some freshly ground pepper. Dry the chicken breasts again with paper towels. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss everything together to coat. Place the chicken on the sheet pan with the vegetables, spreading everything out.

Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the middle. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read 165°F.

Let everything rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve.

Traffic Court

I am not the best driver.  I tend to speed, especially with the new Brave Astronaut space vehicle, with its V8 engine under the hood.  I also come by it honestly, my mother had a lead foot.  Back in December, I was stopped on my way to work for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.  It was an occasion where I was genuinely surprised that I was being pulled over.

I arrived at the intersection, where a car was making its way through the intersection, so I had to stop.  As I prepared to pull forward a cruiser arrived at the intersection to my right.  I proceeded straight and was pulled over by the same cruiser for failing to yield at the stop sign.  I accepted the citation and prepared to plead not guilty and request a trial.

And here's the moral of the story dear readers - ALWAYS plead not guilty.  And here's why.  First of all, your court date will be scheduled for some time later - as was in this case, I was pulled over in December and my court date was today, nearly six months later.  It is entirely worth your time to go to court and plead your case in front of the judge.

Secondly, if you go to court and the officer does not show up, your case is dismissed and you will be found guilty.  This was the case with me today (as was also the case for a speeding ticket I got last fall).  As I sat in the courtroom today, I did get to hear some good stories, including one gentleman who was stopped for doing 108 MPH on Route 50.  And even he got a reduced fine.  But what astonished me, was those individuals who had pleaded not guilty, requested a trial, and then didn't show up, FTA, or Failure to Appear, in the legal parlance.  If you're going to go through the trouble of pleading not guilty, show up for your court date - now those fine folks have more trouble on their plates.

Someday I might regale you with my other stories of traffic infractions and moving violations, but for today, Brave Astronaut beat the rap again.  And remember, ALWAYS plead not guilty.

Happy Memorial Day!

Rest assured, the Brave Astronaut Clan is poolside for the Memorial Day Holiday.  It's sure to be a great summer.  If I were to make these, I could bring them to the pool, right?  There's no glass in them or I'll just maintain they are the kid-friendly ones. From A Spicy Perspective via BuzzFeed.

Vodka Gummy Bears Pops 
Yield: 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes (active time)

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup vodka 
• 1 1/4 cup gummy bears 
• 3 cups Sprite or Ginger Ale (or Fanta!) 
• wooden popsicle sticks 

Directions

1. Pour the vodka in a bowl. Add the gummy bears, cover, and allow them to soak for 24-72 hours. The longer the gummy bears soak, the more vodka they absorb. They also grow in size! 
2. Once the gummy bears have soaked to your liking, stir to separate them. They strain one-third of them out of the vodka and place in the bottom of 10 popsicle molds. Pour Sprite over the gummy bears until just covered, about one-third full. Then place in the freezer for 60-90 minutes. 
3. Once the first layer is frozen, add the popsicle sticks and add a second layer of strained gummy bears and soda. Freeze again and repeat a third time. The total layering/freezing process should take around 4+ hours. 

NOTE: For a kid-friendly variation, omit the vodka and soaking process.

Signers: Massachusetts

In today's post, we look at the state that gave us the President of the Congress and it's most vocal supporter of American Independence.

Massachusetts

• John Adams (1735-1826), already covered in the post on the Declaration Committee, was likely the most influential member of the Continental Congress.  After the Declaration, he was appointed Minister to France and helped to negotiate the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War.  After serving as Washington's Vice President, Adams was elected as the nation's second president.  He died on July 4, 1826, within hours of his ally and later rival, Thomas Jefferson.  At Declaration, you can order a "John Adams" pizza with lobster roll”, celery, chives, and old bay mornay.
• Samuel Adams (1722-1803), cousin to John Adams, Sam was more of a firebrand, if that were possible.  After leaving the Congress, he returned to Massachusetts and was later elected as the state's governor.
• Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814), was a merchant who turned to politics, serving in the state legislature.  He later attended the Constitutional Convention, but did not sign that document as he did not endorse its ideals.  He later organized a redistricting effort in Massachusetts to benefit his own party, leading to the term, gerrymandering.  He later served as Vice President, dying in that office in 1814.
• John Hancock (1737-1793), was a successful merchant whose ships were stopped outside Boston, leading Hancock to organize the Boston Tea Party.  After leaving Congress, he also served as Governor of Massachusetts.
• Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814), was not as fervent as the other members of the Massachusetts delegation, yet supported the Declaration and signed the document.  He went on to serve as Attorney General of Massachusetts and later served on the State Supreme Court.

Patty Melts

I'm a sucker for the Patty Melt.  And I love the Pioneer Woman.  I'm sure to love these.  Plus, if I make her Onion Straws?  Bliss.

Patty Melts
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 stick Butter 
• 1 whole Large Onion, Halved And Sliced 
• 1-1/2 pound Ground Beef 
• Salt And Pepper, to taste 
• 5 dashes Worcestershire Sauce 
• 8 slices Swiss Cheese 
• 8 slices Rye Bread 

Instructions
In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Throw in the sliced onions and cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and soft.

In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt & pepper, and Worcestershire. Form into 4 patties.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties on both sides until totally done in the middle.

Assemble patty melts this way: Slice of bread, slice of cheese, hamburger patty, 1/4 of the cooked onions, another slice of cheese, and another slice of bread. On a clean griddle or in a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and grill the sandwiches over medium heat until golden brown. Remove the sandwiches and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Turn the sandwiches to the skillet, flipping them to the other side. Cook until golden brown and crisp, and until cheese is melted.

Slice in half and serve immediately!

French Silk Pie

Why haven't I had this before?  Recipe from Cup of Jo, via a BuzzFeed post about Chocolate and Pretzels hanging out together.

No-Bake French Silk Pie 
By Tieghan Gerard of Half-Baked Harvest

What you’ll need:
For the Pretzel Crust

• 1 ¾ cups crushed pretzels 
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 
• ¼ cup honey

For the Pie Filling

• 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature. 
• 1 cup granulated sugar (add ¼ cup more if you prefer sweeter) 
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 
• 4 whole eggs

Instructions
Grease an 8 or 9-inch pie plate or spring form pan.

In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and honey together until smooth. Add the crushed pretzels and mix until combined. Press mixture firmly against the bottom and sides of your pie plate. Place in the fridge.

In a small microwave safe bowl melt 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate on 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes).

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the melted chocolate and the vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until combined.

Turn your mixer to medium speed and over a period of 15 to 20 minutes add in the four eggs, one at a time, leaving about 5 minutes between each egg addition. Once the pie filling is well mixed, pour it into the pretzel crust. Smooth out the pie filling and place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours or overnight.

Add a cup or two of whipped cream and garnish with a few chocolate curls if desired.