Notes Into 2010

After a long break from the holidays, I decided to enter into 2010 just with some notes. Nothing too extraordinary; just some observations as I left 2009 on a rather quiet note compared to previous years.

Most Notable Indulgences of the Holiday Season

My Mother's Sweet Potato Casserole
I have had many versions from different parts of the country, and I admit: the south has the most flavor.

Homemade Bread
7-Grain has been my favorite thus far, and I am not saying that because I am a health nut. If you have not made your own bread yet, please do. You will amaze yourself.

Georgia Wine: Tiger Mountain's Tennat, Petit Manseng and Wolf Mountain's Chanteloup
We went completely local on the wine this year and it was definitely worth it.

Georgia Beer
We got into Sweetwater Beer lately.

Chocolate Whiskey Tart
I officially made this a personal tradition.

See's Chocolates
My family should have just bought me two boxes alone.
http://www.sees.com/

Chocolate Cake, Raspberry Filling, Vanilla Frosting From Henri's
I almost became sick because I ate so much.

Vanilla Cake, Chocolate Filling, Chocolate and Blue Frosting From Henri's
So good we had to buy another.

Mussels
Black Diamonds.

My Father's Traditional Oysters Rockefeller From Connecticut
Did not even know Connecticut had oysters.

Williams Sonoma Cranberry Orange Relish
I know, I know. The family is not much into homemade cranberry sauce so we stick to this. Its so good though.

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Pecan Butter
I can and will eat this from the jar.

Spinach Dip
Another new personal tradition.

Steak from Findley's Meat Market
My mouth just waters from visioning it again.

Old Mill's Crab Cake
Full of peppery flavor. A must try if you are in north Georgia. They make some killer shrimp and grits too.
http://www.acwortholdmill.com/

Pear Salad
Ina Garten had it right on this recipe.
Endive, Pear, and Roquefort Salad

Homemade Cheese Balls
So much fresher than store bought brands.

And...

Buckeyes
A tradition from the great state of Ohio. So very easy and makes so very many, I had to split this project into two nights. Enjoy!

1 1/4 C Butter
1 X 18 oz. Jar Creamy Peanut Butter
7 C Sifted Powdered Sugar (Approximately 1.5 lbs.)
6 C Semisweet Chocolate Chips
3 T Shortening
Processor, Blender, or Mixer
Wax Paper

Process butter and peanut butter until thoroughly blended.


Add 3 C powdered sugar and blend until smooth.

Gradually add remaining powdered sugar in 2 batches until mixture pulls away from the sides.

Shape into 1 inch balls.

Cover and chill or freeze for at least one hour.


Combine chocolate chips and shortening in top of double broiler.

Bring water to boil and then reduce heat to low.

Cook chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally.


Remove pan from heat and leave chocolate over the hot water.

Take chilled balls out of freezer and using wooden pick, dip each ball into chocolate. Coat 3/4 of the ball.

Place on wax paper.

Smooth wooden pick holes and let stand until chocolate solidifies.

Store in at room temperature, fridge, or freezer.

V & V Bakery

The most special part about every Friday these days is to make the time and save the $1.50 to buy a Linzer cookie at V & V, a classic Italian-American bakery off of Roosevelt Avenue and 61st street in Woodside. They never fail to make my entire week a little sweeter. Sometimes I find the bakery impossible to resist whenever I walk past it in the early morning or late afternoon. I become hypnotized by all the aromas they create. From home-baked breads to dreamy desserts, V & V satisfies my yearning for wholesome, nostalgic treats.

A handful of counter girls, bakers, and the owner herself operate V & V seven days a week. Some employees always smile at me when I walk in, because most of the time they know what I want: a raspberry filled Linzer cookie. I surprise them once and while with a tiramisu, chocolate croissant, chocolate chip cookie, or a whole loaf of bread. V & V’s kaiser, sourdough, or whole wheat rolls make perfect hamburger buns on game day. My mouth melts every time I bite into their crisp, miniature cookies. Their collection of cakes and pies in the refrigerator constantly distracts me whenever I have to wait in line, and I have not even dared to go near the cannoli yet. They provide fresh coffee cheaper than your newspaper to wash down every bite. Overall, you will not be disappointed from the variety of indulgences V & V has to offer unless you get a stomach ache from eating too much.

I am still used to the stressful hustle and bustle of Fairway Market on the Upper West Side in Manhattan where you have to push through a zoo before you are lucky enough to find a chocolate chip scone in the morning before work. Not here. Even when the bakery is busy, the service never fails to keep orders coming and going without a fuss.

What can V & V work on to be better than they are now? Not much, considering they have been around serving the locals since 1928. The location near the 61st street subway station is ideal despite the annoying rumble of the 7 trains above the bakery. V & V stands right next door to a local florist so anyone who needs surprise someone, wish them luck, apologize or even say the simple I love you will not have a hard time making a decision as to what to do. More publicity for the bakery proves to be not much of an issue due to its central location. For instance, V & V was one of my first discoveries upon moving into the neighborhood. The only criticism I can think of for this local gem is to have a set of chairs and tables outside of the bakery.

Even though I notice more restaurants and cafes open every day in my neighborhood, enticing me to cheat on my favorite indulgences, I sincerely believe V & V to only be a relationship that will grow and deepen as I continue to become more familiar with my new borough.

V & V Bakery, Inc.

6119 Roosevelt Avenue (near 61st st)

Woodside, NY 11377

718.476.1669