Sunday on San Jose

I went back to bed and slept until 6:30 AM, Sunday morning. Still no ice or sleet or anything! I am hoping this storm missed us, but a check of the Weather Channel indicates its still coming...

I decided that, besides the usual cleaning and washing, today's the day to get some Christmas into this house. So, I decided no breakfast this morning. I'll do a nice brunch and then Sunday supper. I took a shower but no shave and got to work.

At 10:00 AM, my tummy started complaining, so I began my brunch. It will be white sausage (or Sawmill) gravy over biscuits. So, I browned the pork sausage and removed it with a slotted spoon, used the grease and some flour to make a roux, slowly added milk (still vigorously whisking), brought that to a boil and then simmered for two minutes. I reintroduced the pork sausage and seasoned to taste with fresh ground pepper.

I let that get happy while I made the baking powder biscuits. I tried something different this time. Instead of making the dough by hand (working in the cold butter until it's the size of a pea, etc.), I made the whole dough in my food processor. Quick and easy!!

Now that I know the tri-fold secret to get homemade biscuits to rise like the Pillsbury Dough Boy's, I did my thing, cut them out and brushed the tops with cream. In the 450 degree F. oven they went until golden brown (about 14 minutes, in my oven). I took them out and put them on a rack to cool. I took a photo so you can see what I mean about getting them to rise!

BTW, for those who say, "Well, using the food processor may be faster, but cleanup is a b*tch." I don't put any of the food processor components in the dishwasher (after Jake and Carla broke theirs that way) and I had the whole mess hand-washed and cleaned up before the biscuits were done baking.

So, brunch was excellent (I did need to add a bit more pepper) and now it's back to work. If you remember, I bought a two foot Rosemary plant, shaped like a Christmas tree for a little different look for this year's Christmas. What I didn't mention was that, later, I also bought some miniature ornaments, a tree top star, a string of lights, etc. for this. Yes, I was geeked! Well, for some reason early last week, the damn plant died! I noticed a few brown branches one day and frantically checked the water, etc. Within two more days, the whole thing was brown and dead. So, Friday, I stopped and bought a little imitation tree and my project today is to get that up and decorated on top my mantle.

I also decided I didn't like the big, low swags on the porch railing, so I added another anchor point (lol, a nail) in the middle of each existing anchor point (nail) and thus brought the swag up higher. I'll take a picture for you when I can.

The tree is done, so now its time to brace the cold attic and get down a few more things. That done (and I am noticing, or maybe just think, I seem to be missing a few items...) I close up the attic and limp into the kitchen. Those damn attic steps are killing my right knee. Yes, I said the RIGHT one. Why? I dunno, but I am definitely gonna ask my orthopedic surgeon about it when I see him in March.

Laundry is all done and folded or hung up and the bed has been remade with fresh washed linens. One thing left before I take my (now) long-awaited nap for this weekend. I must make the pie crusts for the pasties I am making for Sunday dinner.

So, I cut in 1 1/2 cups of butter-flavored shortening (hey, it was in the cupboard, why not use it?) into 3 1/2 cups of flour and add 1 cup cold water. I make the ball, wrap it in saran wrap and pop it in the fridge. Its 3:20 PM (still no ice or even snow here, BTW) and I head into bed, but set the alarm for 5:00 PM, just in case. Oh, damn, I forgot, I still have to download and post the biscuits and Christmas decoration pictures! Okay, so that's done, now for a nap!

I thought I didn't sleep at all, but I did wake up to the alarm. I shook off my sleep and got back to the rest of tonight's dinner, pasties. I really think I got it this time, and if it turns out as well as I hope, I'll have the Webmaster post the recipe for you! I did, however, notice a funny thing. For a person who insisted he's just a cook or a foodie and "doesn't bake" I sure did a lot of baking this weekend!

So, its almost 7:00 PM and dinner is almost done. I am thinking its time for me to take a break and enjoy the few remaining hours of this rather frantic weekend.

At 7:01 I took out the cookie sheets and let them cool. I am officially done for the weekend, now. Finally, the taste test... YES!!! I think I got it!!! I can now, without fear or regret, say I have replicated the pasties of my youth. Webmaster, time permitting, please post the recipe!

I had a lot of difficulty staying awake through my two Sunday shows, so I turned off the TV and turned in for the night at 10:00 PM (after I put the other three, now cooled, pasties in baggies and then the fridge).