Menu 1-25-09

I watched an epsiode of Martha this week, and she and the owner of a new bakery in NYC called "Sweet Revenge" made these gorgeous vanilla cupcakes. I was intrigued by two things that make them unique. Instead of the traditional cupcake liner, they used squares of unbleached parchment paper, as seen in the photo. I just think it is such a beautiful and special presentation. The second thing about them is, instead of the usual "1 teaspoon" or so of vanilla in the batter, the recipe calls for 3 Tablespoons of mexican vanilla. Plus the frosting calls for another couple tablespoons. I am so anxious to try them! You can watch the video clip and get the recipe right here.

Onto this week's menu(s): (Maren, I know you have a good one this week)

Sun: Cream cheese chicken over bow-tie pasta, strawberry spinach salad, wheat rolls, steamed veggies, and pina colada birthday cake.

M: Oven-baked orange chicken with orange spinach salad (recipes to come)

T: Broccoli calzones

W: Chicken salad with apples and grapes

Th: Bacon-topped chicken with glazed carrots and spicy potato skins

F: Spinach and prosciutto lasagna (recipe to come)

Sat: birthday brunch for Emma, menu still in the works