Closets, head shots, and Bon Jovi

A theme that occurs in my dreams on a fairly regular basis is that I have a misunderstanding with someone in the family and it blows up and everyone is mad at me. But the misunderstandings that get it all started can be really strange sometimes. For example, last night's dream--
Boss and Coach were upset with me for two main reasons: 1) I was in bed when Boss and her fellow med students arrived to have a study group in my closet, and 2) I wasn't supportive of Coach's acting career and I kept pointing out flaws in all of Coach's head shots.
Dream Boss and Coach were very mad at me and my dream-self. And for good reason, clearly.

And on the topic of misunderstandings... Let's talk about Bon Jovi.
Specifically, Livin' on a Prayer
Back in the 80's when this song was all the rage on the radio, I thought it was so cool. But I also thought it was "Livin' on a Prair" as in short for "prairie" as in Little House on the Prairie. I knew I really liked, Little House, and clearly so did Bon Jovi.
When I hear Livin' on a Prayer these days, I still think about Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Untested--Triple Chocolate Mousse Torte

I did some searching online and this looks like it might be close to what I had at the conference last month. I haven't tried it, so I can't be totally sure. If you try it before I do, let me know how it is. Does it qualify as "Triple Chocolate Mousse Heavenly Delight"?

Triple Chocolate Mousse Torte
(published in Bon Appetit April 1996, recipe from the White House Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island)

Ingredients:
Vegetable Oil
4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
4 ounces good-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Baker's), chopped
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
5 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup half and half

1 3/4 cups chilled whipping cream

Preparation:
Brush 9-inch diameter springform plan with oil. Place each chocolate in separate medium bowl. Combine 1/4 cup water and gelatin in a small bowl. Let stand until gelatin softens, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat yolks and sugar in a large bowl until mixture is pale yellow and very thick, about 5 minutes. Bring half and half just to simmer in heavy large saucepan. Gradually whisk hot half and half into beaten egg mixture. Return mixture to same saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 3 minutes (do not boil). Remove custard from heat. Add softened gelatin; stir until gelatin dissolves. Strain mixture into large glass measuring cup. Immediately pour 1/3 of hot custard over each chocolate. Stir each chocolate with separate spoon until melted and smooth. If mixture cools before chocolate is completely melted, set bowl over saucepan of simmering water and stir just until chocolate melts. Cool chocolate mixtures to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Beat cream in large bowl until stiff peaks form. Divide whipped cream equally among bowls of chocolate, using about 1 1/3 cups cream for each. Fold whipped cream into chocolate in each bowl.
Pour bittersweet chocolate mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Pour milk chocolate mixture over bittersweet chocolate later. Smooth top with spatula. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Pour white chocolate mixture over milk chocolate mixture. Smooth top with spatula. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. (Torte can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover with plastic and store in refrigerator.)
Run sharp knife around sides of pan. Remove pan sides. Cut torte into wedges and serve.

Progress

Good news. My letters seem to have done something because my former insurance company has changed my coverage termination date yet again, and unless they've altered the space time continuum, my appointment with the foot doctor should be covered.

For more details see: To Whom It May Concern

First Five...or so

I've made another executive decision. I've had such fun planning and making the fabulous give-aways for my first five, and I've had fun signing up for lots of other people's first fives, I'm extending my first five.
It's now first five...or so.
I haven't decided how many I'll go to, but we can find out. :)

First Five

As seen on Patrick Place, it's time for free stuff! Here's how it works:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It’ll be done this year. {translation: you may be waiting a little while}
4. You have no clue what it’s going to be … it may be cards, a poem, a bookmark, something yummy or a complete surprise to you (and me!) … who knows? not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6. Most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or if you do not have a blog, facebook) get something made by YOU!

Anyone up for it? Let the comments begin...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Um, I'm going to edit rule 6. It's not most important to me that you offer the same deal. I don't really care. I'm excited about crafting stuff for people. So don't let rule 6 keep you from leaving a comment. Come on, you know you want to comment and see what kind of surprise you'll get... Do it. Do it now.