Christmas Tequila Cookies

My friend sent me this a few days ago. It amused us over Christmas. I do like Christmas. I especially like it in the UK as Father Christmas seems to find me here! I love giving gifts, although the process of selecting them can sometimes be stressful trying to fit in so much shopping with the rest of life. Then there is the permission to eat copious quantities for several days running which is just glorious and even nicer when shared with people you care about. Obviously board games are the best thing to burn off all those calories, and ensure that if you haven't yet had a family argument then this will surely bring one on!

While I haven't tried this recipe myself yet, my friend assures me this is a great recipe for Christmas, even better for New Year, but perfect anytime really! ;-)

Christmas Tequila Cookies

1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup (two sticks) butter
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup dried fruit (dried cranberries or raisins)
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
2 cups all purpose flour
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila (silver or gold, as desired)

First, sample the Cuervo to check quality.

Take a large bowl. Check the Cuervo to be sure it is of the highest quality.

Pour another 4 ounces in a measuring cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer.
Beat one cup of the butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it is best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK. Try another 4 ounces, just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, picking the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a screwdriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt or something.

Check the Jose Cuervo.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

Cherry Mistmas.

Changes all around

When I couldn't sleep Sunday night I made changes to my website (and business!) and last night I made changes to this blog. Trying to get in early on those New Year's resolutions.

L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon

The only trouble with eating is that eventually you get full and then, sometimes, you have to wait a while before you eat again.

I went to L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon for the pre-theatre dinner this evening (though, clearly, didn't go to the theatre afterwards this time). It was my first, long awaited visit there. For £19 for 2 courses or £25 for 3 (plus service) this was a fabulous taste of what they can do. There are only two options for each course and desserts are either a sweet dessert or single cheese with crackers.

My friend and I exchanged gifts after we finished our meal and the waitress enquired as to whether we were celebrating Christmas and we told them birthdays as well. A few minutes later they brought out this plate:


Isn't that pretty?! And so thoughtful. It was also the most divine tarte au citron I may ever have eaten. Mouth wateringly tart and delicate. Given we were full already (we couln't resist the Opera accompanied by lime and vodka sorbet) this mini portion shared between two was perfect. Incidentally, while the two components of the dessert I just mentioned were delicious, they had to be enjoyed separately as they were not remotely complementary.

It was quite interesting they brought this birthday plate as I was lamenting that my birthday was passing with less and less fanfare with every year (mainly notable by fewer celebrations that included candles). I know this should be expected, and probably welcomed really. I am not complaining - I did have a wonderful extended Sunday lunch in a cosy pub with half of my closest friends which was actually pretty close to a perfect way to mark another year.

I still feel so full. Tonight was the third of three (or more!) course meals this week. A fabulous, but oh-so-full week. Italian, Chinese and French. And I still have to post pictures of Guatemala!! Not to mention the fascinating shopping I did last week... I should probably fit a run into all of this eating somewhere as well.