Time to Make the Donuts

I own a deep fryer.  And I like donuts. From CakeWhiz via BuzzFeed.

Homemade Jelly Donuts

Ingredients
Doughnuts:

• 2 1/2 cups flour + additional flour for kneading 
• 1/2 cup whole milk (100-110 degrees) 
• 1/3 cup + 1 tsp sugar 
• 3 large egg yolks 
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast 
• 2 tbsp salted butter 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 3 1/2 cups oil for frying 

Filling: 

• 3 cups homemade strawberry jam or store-bought strawberry jam 

Topping:

• 3 cups granulated sugar (for rolling the doughnuts)
•  2 cups coconut cream chocolate frosting 
• 2 cups sliced strawberries (blotted dry)

Step 1: In a small bowl, add 1 tsp sugar, yeast and milk. Keep this mixture aside for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: In a deep mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, egg yolks, butter, vanilla extract and yeast mixture. Mix everything with a thick plastic spoon until you have a sticky mixture.

Step 3: Dump this mixture onto your floured countertop and start kneading until you form a dough ball that’s not sticky any more (takes about 10-15 minutes). I had to add some additional flour at this point to help with all that kneading. The dough should eventually bounce back when poked with a finger.

Step 4: Oil a bowl and place this dough ball in it. Cover it with saran wrap and keep it in a warm area and allow the dough to rise for 1 1/2 hours. (I keep the bowl inside my oven- Don’t turn it on though!)

Step 5: Now, flour your countertop again and roll out the dough at a thickness of 1/4 inches.

Step 6: Use a round cutter to cut out circular pieces.

Step 7: Cover these circles with saran wrap and allow them to rise for about 15 minutes.

Step 8: Heat oil in a saucepan until the temperature reaches 370 degrees.

Step 9: Add 3-4 the circle pieces into the oil very carefully and fry them on both sides until they are golden (about 40 seconds on each side).

Step 10: Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a tray lined with paper towels.

Step 11: Then quickly roll the doughnuts in sugar while they are still warm.

Step 12: Then, attach the round tip to a piping bag and fill it with strawberry jam.

Step 13: On the side of the doughnut, make 2 holes with a wooden skewer about 1 inch apart. Push your piping bag into the holes and fill the inside of the doughnut with jam. Do this for all the doughnuts.

Step 14: When the doughnuts have cooled down, spread fudgy coconut cream chocolate frosting on top of them and place a few sliced strawberries on top.

Waffle Iron Hash Browns

I like the hash brown.  But they're never crispy enough.  These might work.  From Serious Eats via BuzzFeed.

Waffle Iron Hash Browns

Ingredients

• 2 russet (baking) potatoes, about 10 ounces each, peeled and shredded 
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron. If it has temperature controls, set it to medium.
2. Squeeze shredded potato with a towel until it’s as dry as possible.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded potato, salt, and pepper.
4. Using a silicone brush or paper towel, carefully grease both sides of waffle iron with butter.
5. Pile shredded potatoes into waffle iron, over-stuffing it a bit, and close lid. (The pressure of the lid will compress the potatoes and help them emerge as a cohesive, waffled unit.) Cook for 2 minutes, then press down on lid to further compress potatoes (be careful: lid may be hot). 
6. Continue cooking potatoes for 5 minutes longer, then begin checking them: the are ready when potatoes are golden brown all over, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. Serve hot with eggs or any other breakfast foods.

15 Years Later

At this point in time fifteen years ago, I had finally made it home to Long Island from my job in Westchester County.  As I have written about before, the day had started with me dropping my car off for service and upon getting to work, I learned that a plane had hit one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I was able to find a TV and my colleagues and I crowded around the TV to watch.  I went off to find a computer to get more information and then learned that a second plane had hit the other tower.

I was able to get to the roof of the Archive Center and could see the smoke rising from the city skyline some thirty five miles to the south.  I was finally able to reach my girlfriend (now Mrs. BA) who had a dentist appointment (which I hadn't remembered, I only knew that she worked across the street from the White House).  I left for home about 2:00pm and as I traveled south, fighter jets crisscrossed the sky above me - I crossed the Throgs Neck Bridge as policeman waived me through the toll barriers.  As I looked over to the city, the smoke hanging over lower Manhattan was immense.  I drove east on the Long Island Expressway as trucks and emergency equipment passed me heading west into the city.

Upon getting home I was able to talk with my parents, who had been flying that day - they were in Texas - but they were taken off the plane, shortly after the planes struck their targets and the decision was made to close the airspace over the United States. (If you're in the DC area, I highly recommend that you go to Ford's Theatre to see "Come From Away" about the planes from Europe that were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland.)

I went to church that evening as many Americans did.  As the scope of the tragedy unfolded and the tremendous loss of life became evident - I stayed home the next day - there wasn't anyway for me to get to work anyway - and I was able to reflect on how much had changed for each and everyone of us.

I traveled to Ground Zero not long after - when the debris still burned and participated in a candlelight vigil.  Just last year, I finally made it to the Memorial in the plaza and was deeply moved - much as I knew I would be.  Today, I spent most of the day reflecting on what happened fifteen years ago - I watched some of the coverage of the events in New York City today - I watched some of the documentaries that have been produced about that dark day.  We went to church, as we do almost every Sunday and we closed with the hymn, Let There Be Peace on Earth.  Yes, please, let's try that.

Remember.

 

Raspberry Blondies? Yes, please

Combining my love of raspberries and the blondie. From Sweet Peas and Saffron via BuzzFeed.

Brown Butter Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Blondies
Prep time 30 mins
Cook time 25 mins
Total time 55 mins
Serves: 9

Ingredients 
Cream Cheese Layer

• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Blondies

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup all purpose flour (125g, fluffed, spooned & leveled)

Raspberry Swirl

• ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam 

Instructions

Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and no lumps remain.

Beat in the egg and vanilla, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.

Set aside.

Blondies
Line a 9X9 inch pan with aluminum foil, and grease with spray oil.

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Allow the butter to simmer gently for 5 or so minutes to brown it. Keep an eye on the butter, as it can go from golden to burned very quickly. As the butter browns, stir frequently, and you will see small brown bits coming off the bottom of the pan.

Pour the browned butter into a large bowl and add the sugar, mixing completely. Allow it to sit 5 minutes or so to cool, before stirring in the egg and vanilla.

Stir in the flour until completely combined.

Raspberry Swirl
Heat the jam in the microwave for 10 seconds, then stir until smooth.

Assembly:
Spread ⅔ of the blondie batter over the bottom of the prepared pan.

Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the blondie base.

Add teaspoons of the raspberry jam randomly over the blondie base.

Spread (as best as you can) remaining blondie over the cream cheese and raspberry jam.

Gently run a knife along the length of the pan to swirl the mixture. As you can see from my photos they won't look very pretty at this point, however they will be much prettier when they come out of the oven!

Bake for 20-25 minutes until center is set (it shouldn't jiggle). Mine was perfect in 23 minutes.

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Mini Meatball Casserole

When I'm interested in comfort food I will usually go for my Mom's Beefaroni.  Leave it to the one woman that I might consider leaving Mrs. BA for to provide me with an alternative. Via the Pioneer Woman.

Mini Meatball Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 1 Hours
Servings: 12 Servings

Ingredients 

• 3/4 pounds Italian Sausage 
• 3/4 pounds Ground Beef 
• 1/2 cup Regular Oats 
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan 
• 1 whole Egg, Beaten 
• 1/4 cup Minced Fresh Parsley 
• Salt And Pepper, to taste 
• 1 whole Medium Onion, Diced 
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced 
• 1 can (28 Ounce) Diced Tomatoes 
• 1 can (8 Ounces) Tomato Paste 
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar 
• 2 cups Hot Water 
• 12 leaves Basil 
• 12 ounces, weight Ziti Pasta, Cooked To Al Dente 
• 16 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella, Cut Into Large Cubes 

Instructions
In a bowl, mix together the sausage, beef, oats, 1/2 of the Parmesan, egg, half the parsley, and salt and pepper until well combined. Form into small meatballs (about 1/2 inch) and brown in batches in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the meatballs from the pan and drain.

Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, salt and pepper, sugar, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer, then add in the meatballs and continue simmering for 20 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool. Stir in the basil once cool.

In a casserole dish, add half the pasta, half the mozzarella cubes, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and half the meatball sauce. Repeat with another layer, ending with the meatball sauce. Cover with foil and either refrigerate for up to 2 days, or bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Serve piping hot!

Vacation Cereal Chicken Strips

The Brave Astronaut Clan is on vacation this week - so there is sure to be some vacation cereal in the beach house - probably Cap'n Crunch or maybe Fruit Loops.  Maybe if SoBA and LBA and their friends don't eat them all, we can make these this week.  From the Pioneer Woman.

Cap'n Crunch Chicken Strips
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients 

• 12 whole Chicken Tenders (strips) 
• 1 cup All-purpose Flour 
• 2 whole Eggs, Beaten 
• Salt And Pepper 
• 2 cups Cap'n Crunch Cereal 
• Vegetable Oil, For Frying 
• Ketchup, For Serving 

Instructions 
Put the flour in a shallow bowl and add some salt and pepper. Put the egg in a second shallow bowl. Crush the cereal in a third bowl, leaving a few larger chunks.

Dip the chicken strips first in the flour, then the egg and then the cereal.

Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the strips in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes, turning them so they don't burn. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with extra salt. Serve with ketchup!

Mrs. BA Hits a Big Number

Today is Mrs. BA's birthday - she's hit the 1/2 century mark. I am more and more in love with her every single day.  She is the best wife and mother.  If you see her around today, make sure you wish her a happy birthday. 

Tonight we will gather at the pool (her favorite summer place) to celebrate with friends.  Tomorrow we leave for vacation. 

Doesn't she look great?  And I'm the one younger than she is?

FYI - dear readers, I am unplugging for the week while on vacation.  I am in need of a respite from technology for the week.  I plan to do as little as possible, except sit on the beach, swim in the ocean, and relax.  No Facebook, no games on my phone or other devices.  I'll be back soon!

Road Trip

The Brave Astronaut Clan is heading out for some much needed vacation time.  No, not to Vacationland again this year - we're staying a little closer to home, but still beach bound.

I have always wanted to drive cross country and hit all the sites along the way.  Some day, I will do this.  I have wanted to do this for years.  And hey, you can't tell me that science is wrong.

According To Science, This Is The Perfect And Best Road Trip You Can Possibly Take
(via shareably)
Be honest with yourself: at some point you’ve probably thought about going on a cross-country road trip. Whether it be driving across Canada, United Kingdom, United States, or wherever you’re from, it’s probably crossed your mind at some point.

Luckily, for those in the United States, the “perfect road trip” has finally been planned.

According to the algorithm - it hits all the biggies.  Those that I would be able to take off this list (as I've already been there) - are in bold.

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 
2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 
3. Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID 
4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 
5. Pikes Peak, CO
6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
7. The Alamo, TX (can you see the basement there?)
8. The Platt Historic District, OK 
9. Toltec Mounds, AR 
10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 
11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 
12. French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 
13. USS Alabama, AL
14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 
15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 
16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 
17. Lost World Caverns, WV 
18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 
19. Mount Vernon, VA 
20. White House, Washington, DC 
21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 
22. New Castle Historic District, Delaware
23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 
24. Liberty Bell, PA 
25. Statue of Liberty, NY 
26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 
27. The Breakers, RI 
28. USS Constitution, MA 
29. Acadia National Park, ME 
30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 
31. Shelburne Farms, VT 
32. Fox Theater, Detroit, MI 
33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 
34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 
35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 
36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 
37. Gateway Arch, MO 
38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 
39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 
40. Taliesin, WI 
41. Fort Snelling, MN 
42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 
43. Mount Rushmore, SD 
44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 
45. Glacier National Park, MT 
46. Hanford Site, WA 
47. Columbia River Highway, OR 
48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 
49. San Andreas Fault, CA 
50. Hoover Dam, NV

Toll House Cookie Pie

I like chocolate chip cookies.  I like pie.  Both together would be fine with me. From A Family Feast via BuzzFeed.

Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie
Serves: 8 servings
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 55 mins
Total time: 1 hour 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell 
• 2 eggs 
• ½ cup all-purpose flour 
• ½ cup granulated sugar 
• ½ cup packed brown sugar 
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, softened to room temperature 
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts 
• Vanilla ice cream (optional but highly recommended, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a deep dish pie plate with the unbaked pie crust, crimping the edges. Set aside. 
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs on high speed until light and foamy. Add the flour and both sugars to the bowl and mix again until combined. Then add the softened butter and mix one more time until completely mixed. 
3. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts and mix until the chocolate and nuts are evenly mixed throughout the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared pie crust. 
4. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a sharp knife inserted halfway between the edge and the center of the pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for about 30 minutes. 
5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

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.