Bread clouds

www.em-i-lis.com AKA, gougères, these delicacies are one of my favorite treats. A choux dough (butter, water, flour, and eggs; often used in profiteroles, eclairs and other pastries) is mixed with, in this case, Gruyère and asiago cheeses, thyme and a pinch each of kosher salt and cayenne. You spoon the dough into a pastry bag and pipe small mounds onto parchment-lined sheets. Bake for 20 in a hot oven and voila. Another fabulous aspect of gougères is that they freeze beautifully- always a blessing! This recipe is posted under Em-i-lis Recipes -> Breads. Simple and marvelous. Don't be shy with the salt and cayenne.

www.em-i-lis.com

A hell of a party!

Our holiday party last night was absolutely terrific. It is really fun to laugh one's face off with old friends for an entire evening. Great food and drink don't hurt. KKE and SE brought their famous punch and punch bowl, and as promised y'all, you MADE.THE.BLOG! Huge thanks for this bowl of goodness which is one of the most delightful champagne punch recipes ever. punch

 

We also indulged in...rosemary salmon, chicken gumbo, leek and goat cheese tart, thyme gougerescrème fraîche-goat cheese cheesecake with sour cherries, a chocolate-almond cake and lots of wine.

gumbo

rosemary rubbed salmon

leek goat cheese tart

Sour Cherry Cheesecake

chocolate almond cake

Thyme gougeres, fresh out of the oven.