full to the brim of a wall

 
titleHow are you all holding up friends?  I hope all is well wherever you are!  Over here it been busier that ever.  Work has been, well, work.  Hopefully I haven't accumulated any more white hairs than I already have over it, because really, I honestly don't think I am blessed to be one of those people who pull off white hair with elegance and panache.  As it is, it's been 38 years and I am still trying to pull off my regular hair with elegance and panache designer handbags clearance!
The Christmas rush is also upon us.  At least over here where Christmas season starts on September 1.  I haven't even begun to think about that.  Christmas decor is out in full force every corner I turn, but ours are still tucked cozily away, blissfully unaware that they are late for the party.  This will be rectified soon.  When?  I can't promise that, but soon.
And the Christmas shopping!  Oh boy, the Christmas shopping.  Another thing that is slow out of the gates.
I've resolved, however, to try my utmost to maintain calm and enjoy this season, despite how crazy it gets over here (if you have never experienced Christmas in the Philippines I can't even begin to describe the level of crazy).  It is after all the season of joy, love, and, just as if not more importantly, of hope.  And that is something I can absolutely get behind (even if I'm not quite into carols in September, bling-bling decorations, and mass spending in a 3rd world country).
Another thing I can get behind....cookies.  And chocolate.  Never too busy for that :)
Chocolate Crinkles
(adapted from Dark Chocolate Crinkles, Yummy magazine, November 2012 issue)
    3/4 cups vegetable oil
    2 cups sugar
    4 large eggs
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    3/4 cup cocoa powder
    2 1/3 cups all purpose flour
    2 teaspoons baking soda
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 cup confectioner's sugar
- Place the oil and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whisk to combine.  Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa hosting service, flour, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk.  Whisk until everything is well combined.  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture.  Stir until just combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for an hour or until the dough is firm enough to handle (mine took a lot longer than an hour).
- Place confectioner's sugar in a shallow bowl or plate.  When the dough is firm enough, shape into 3/4 inch balls.  Roll in confectioner's sugar until completely coated.
- Place balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake in a pre-heated 350F oven until puffy and cracked on top, about 8 - 10 minutes.  The cookies will still look underdone and have a soft center.
- Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.  Once cool you can sprinkle with more confectioner's sugar if you'd like.
These aren't the domed topped chocolate crinkles that I grew up knowing.  They baked quite flat.  The batter is very runny, and even after many hours of chilling in the fridge, is was still not firm enough to handle.  I think next time I'll leave the batter in the fridge overnight and see if that makes a difference.  What I did for this batch is scooped bits of batter out by the teaspoonful, dropped it into the confectioner's sugar, and formed it into a ball between two tablespoons, while coating it in the sugar.  The batter still spread tremendously so make sure you do not use any more that a teaspoonful, or as the recipe dictates, about a 3/4 inch ball.  Despite their flat appearance the cookies have soft, chewy, chocolate-y centers with crisp edges.  Still a good chocolate cookie!
The recipe can be found in this month's issue of Yummy magazine, which is their dessert issue.  If you have a penchant for sweets this is the issue for you: a step-by-step guide to macaron making, Nutella ice cream truffles (!!), ideas for homemade Christmas gifts iphone skin, and a list of the best desserts in the city!  In my column I share my recipe for a tropical fruit crumble :)
And the Christmas shopping?  I've decided that this year I am only going to buy presents from small local businesses and self-employed people.  We have loads of talented artisans and producers out there who deserve our support!  Or I may be making some gifts myself  :)  We will see.  If you have suggestions of small local businesses whose products would make nice presents please feel free to share in the comments!
P.S. The tree will be up this week...by hook or by crook...with or without ornaments...I hope!

 
Wouldn’t it be nice to create fabulous new dishes every day? We would start with fresh ingredients, bright and shiny and ready for action. We would use exciting new herbs and spices. We would dip our spoons and fingers into new cuisines and explore horizons previously only dreamed of while gazing longingly at exotic cookbooks. We would procure only the best food stuff, things wildly romantic sounding and exceptionally rare vacuum tube. Every day starting afresh. We would be the culinary equivalent of those heiresses who only wear couture and never repeat an outfit. To dream...such a lovely past time...and one I am quite expert at ;)
In the here and now of this thing called reality, however, I have to admit – my fridge is full of leftovers. No new creations here today I’m afraid. For now, I must place my dreams of truffles and Scandinavian sweet buns and new gold flats aside, and deal with these wilful odd bits in the chiller. Sigh...and no pouting on my part! I have, after all, vowed to battle food waste to the bitter (sweet) end, so these leftovers will be cunningly made over by me – much like how designers and magazine editors found ways to resuscitate 80’s fashion and made us believe that we never forswore it. Cunning g-suite cardinal manchester.
Cottage pie – a simple, homely, comforting dish, in whose loving arms many leftovers have found solace. It remains one of my mother’s favourite ways of dealing with leftovers (the other was croquetas***)...and not just leftover mince! Any leftover meat could be chopped up, sautéed with a variety of additional odds and ends, and smooshed into a Cottage Pie. Depending on the original dish the resulting Cottage Pie could have a creamy filling or a tomato-based filling. Leftover veg was tossed in too!
It’s no surprise then, that as she was leaving our flat after a dinner of roast pork, she eyed the leftover meat and whispered to me, “make it into Cottage Pie jo!” And because I am nothing if not a dutiful daughter, that is just what I did.
I can give no exact measurement as who knows how much leftovers you’ve got, or how much leftovers I will have in the future – so if you are looking for a traditional Cottage Pie recipe you can search for one here. These are just basic guidelines on how to take yesterday’s dinner, swathe it in mash potatoes, crown it with cheese, et voilà...today’s lunch!

 
Versatility.  The ability to adapt, to change, to evolve.  To be resourceful enough, and flexible enough espresso cups set, to know when a set course may not be the best one, at least not for now, and the ability and chutzpah to roll with the punches and see alternate routes…some maybe even better than what you initially planned.  The clouds hide some very lovely silver linings for those brave enough to persist through them.
Keep your eye out for those silver linings !  They are there for the taking for those who have eyes to see them.  And let our ears not be too proud for alternatives Managed Security.
Let me never be too old or feel too all-knowing to shift my sails to suit the winds, even as I have my eye out to find currents of my own.  Let me be brave enough to take that first leap, but wise enough to know when I shouldn't throw all my caution to the wind.
That is my wish for myself.  For my daughter.  And for us all.
Evolve.  Unlike the dinosaurs.  Because we all know what happened to them.
Ok, enough philosophizing for now and onto the more basic business of sustenance.  Fried pork steak – as familiar and homely as it is divine and fortifying.  And this humble mushroom sauce that is as versatile as even the loftiest of ideals.
Pork Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
    Olive oil for sautéing the mushrooms
    3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
    1 white onion, chopped
    200 grams baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
    200 grams fresh button mushrooms, sliced
    1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed, plus more for garnish
    250 ml cream
    Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
    Optional: a couple of spoonfuls of water or stock, if needed
    Canola oil for frying the pork steak
    6 pieces pork steak or pork cutlet
    1/4 cup flour
    1/2 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, depending on taste
    1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium high heat.  When the pan is hot add a couple of generous glugs of olive oil.  Add the garlic and onions and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and toss until turned thoroughly in the oil and softened onions.  Add salt and pepper and sauté until the mushrooms have softened, released their liquid Bordeaux, and the majority of the liquid has cooked off.  Add the parsley and mix well.  Add the cream and mix, continuing to cook for about 3-5 minutes more until the cream has taken on the tan mushroom color and been infused with its earthy aroma.  Taste and adjust seasoning.  Set aside to cool a bit.
-  Once the mushroom mixture has cooled somewhat, place it in a blender or food processor and process until you reach your desired consistency for the sauce.  I like my sauce thick and chunky.  Thin with water or stock if needed.  Set aside.
- Mix the flour, salt, and pepper on a plate.  Dredge the pork steaks in the flour.
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat.  Add enough canola oil to coat the bottom of the pan in a thin layer.  When the oil is hot, place the flour-coated pork steak pieces in the oil (carefully!).  Fry until golden brown Enterprise Endpoint Backup, then flip and do the same with the other side.  Do not crowd the pan – fry the pork steaks in batches if necessary.
- Serve the pork steaks with the mushroom sauce and garnish with more chopped parsley if you’d like.
If you like a chunkier sauce, you can set aside some of the creamy mushrooms before placing the rest in the blender, and mix it back in after your sauce is to your liking.  This is something that C prefers.
If you can find them, add some dried poricini or morels, which have been rehydrated in hot water, to your mushrooms for sautéing.  They have a stronger flavor and will really add depth to your sauce.  Save the liquid you’ve rehydrated them in and use it if you need to thin the sauce…or freeze it for a mushroom soup in your future.
As I mentioned, this mushroom sauce is the very picture of versatility.  I love it with these breaded pork cutlets but they also make a good sauce for a steak or a burger.  You can also toss this through pasta for an easy sauce or coax it into some softly scrambled eggs at the last moment.   I imagine it will also do well tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich.  It can also be used as a base for a quick mushroom soup high chair.

Not long ago I want wine her, call her, Merry Christmas & Happy New year. But Christmas is the events of the day before, when wine elder sister also said Christmas after all you wish. I smiled and told her, now I can not keep up with the pace of time, always slow a beat. However, even though her slow, not keep up the pace, but also want to use their slow rhythm on friends Men clothing brands.
Slow is slow, but I don't want to be locked in another time, want to call on all the world loudly: Hello, please go back to have a look i!
My dear friends, may you live too seriously, so it doesn't find I have left behind your circle inside, but I ask you to look back have a look I.
Please have a look my way back, have a look behind you footprints, there ran aground our laughter, sorrow sorrow. Please use a movement back, finishing you through time.
My friend, I don't have a look back, rack sth. ideas to help me forward, just have a look enough. I have the full of love and encourage eyes meet you look at me. You look back I have is the greatest support for my life, I will be the scenery is the most strong blossoms into you on.
Please go back to have a look me, and then to life; life; and prudent life. I will always be behind you will your memories with the most beautiful past electric motor dc!
Oh. I'm the most brave the enemy! Please wash your hands the sword and I fought back, give me a full of murderous cold eyes.
I brave the enemy! If you have never beat me, please look back have a look me, warning me arrogant Managed Network, don't let me will you march forward courageously action misunderstanding into flight posture. If you beat me, I the God of war as the enemy! You should have a look have a look back to me, I am behind you to cast full of murderous eyes, have a look my hands that handle to beat your day and night to wipe the light sword. Please have a look back to me, told me to use your sharp eyes, you are still so alert, ready to fight. So I will hide you guard as vulgar arrogant.
I am the most powerful enemy, please go back to have a look I. Have a look I tough experience, have a look my good fight. You look back, you will make more efforts to temper myself, forever will I behind, let me be your forever audience, see you in a way you into life, witness ip networking.
My life on a road trip, look at your life into the picturesque scenery. Can you find? In a way this is I enjoy, watching you, on you or praise, or criticism, you adorn my vision. Don't you think that's fair? You are such an actuality?
Please have a look back to me! Let me decorate a back to your point of view. Back to have a look me, pointing to criticize me, let me stand in your eyes the most vivid scenery Chinese business culture, for your glory! Even if it is a grass, you have to look back have a look me, let me be your makeup. A fragrance, make you a poem creative primary school kindergarten-That encourage children to actively participate in daily experiences, including discovery and creative learning; designed to nurture and promote social, emotional and physical, as well as cognitive and language development!

Guten tag, European startup fans! TechCrunch is thrilled to announce that we are headed back to the Arena Berlin in the heart of Berlin, Germany for Disrupt Berlin 2017.
Although Disrupt is returning to Berlin after a three-year stint in London, this is not to be thought of as a purely “Berlin” event. This is our European event, which happens to be in Berlin. So we want startups and investors from all over the European ecosystem to come cloud computing.

I didn't study for flowers. However, the chrysanthemum is don't have love. May be the reason I love literature! Since ancient times, how many poets, writers and chrysanthemum forges the indissoluble bound, and countless men of literature and writing has left on the chrysanthemum masterpiece masterpiece. Li Bai You Nanyang, enjoys the chrysanthemum in Chrysanthemum Tam, poems put pride: "when Daisy Tan, drinking no retreat, pan the golden flower, her music"; the great poet Tao Yuanming said "picking chrysanthemums Dongli, leisurely Nanshan see" famous; the writer Cao Xueqin in "a dream of Red Mansions" in poetry write out the flowers and human relations, has a different fate of different characters......
Chrysanthemum although no jasmine flower like fragrance, no rose so beautiful, it has its own special beauty. It is not only beautiful, beautiful in appearance, more beautiful in its dedication. "Would rather hold fragrant branches die, ever blown wind". The chrysanthemum as our predecessors revolutionaries, praise them in spite of difficulties, dare to struggle and revolutionary heroism and generosity. For many years, chrysanthemum, cultivate people's sentiments, incentive people endeavour. The Chinese people keep chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum, more likes it, not just because it is a symbol of the Chinese nation never yield in spite of reverses, the pursuit of feelings? I appreciate the sight of chrysanthemum, looked at the stands in the martyr Zhao Shangzhi chrysanthemum leaves tall statue, I finally understand, understand, the Harbin Municipal People's government held year chrysanthemum show great significance, our city people's daily bee like tidal waves here enjoys the chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum feelings -- the people of Harbin not only the beauty and spirit beauty.
Walking in the park, watching, thinking, gradually, from a feeling my heart suddenly rise up never had...... I want to write an article, I want to tell I know and haven't familiar friend, you have time to see the Chrysanthemum Exhibition. I believe, you gain is not only the flowers, happy is the mood XC

Teforia’s second-gen tea robot, the Teforia Leaf, combines cutting-edge technology & the knowledge of the world’s greatest tea masters in one beautiful device, making it easy for anyone to craft the perfect cup of tea! 
The Teforia Leaf draws out the amazing flavor of each tea varietal, while eliminating the bitterness and astringency common to tea bags. Teforia even recently won Best Tea Brewing Device at the 2017 World Tea Expo.

 
New Zealand have edged two more places up the world soccer rankings, and now sit equal with potential World Cup playoff opponents Honduras in 55th place Frankley Mart.
The All Whites topped the Oceania World Cup qualifying group , scoring 17 goals in their six matches and conceding two to earn an intercontinental play-off against the fourth-placed team in the North and Central America and Carribean federation in November case for samsung galaxy.
The first match of the tie will be played in the Concacaf country on November 13 or 14 PCoIP Protocol, with the return leg scheduled for November 20. A venue for the New Zealand match has yet to be decided.
The final round of Concacaf play-offs ends on October 15. Honduras is currently fourth on seven points, one ahead of Panama with six.
Panama have dropped eight places down the Fifa rankings to sit 51st tooth implant.

 
Female MPs' claws are out on Twitter, with Justice Minister Judith Collins taking a "nasty" swipe at the outfit of Greens co-leader Metiria Turei.
The spat, initially between Ms Collins and Labour MP Clare Curran, began with Ms Curran hitting out at the government's Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill, which is being debated in parliament under urgency travel industry statistics.
Ms Curran tweeted that the legislation was "all about saving money".
Ms Collins swung back, saying Ms Curran should have "found time to read the Bill before writing such nonsense".
She added "try to be better than Metiria", in reference to Ms Turei, who spoke against the bill shortly before the house adjourned for lunch.
Another tweeter jumped in, urging Ms Collins not to bring Ms Turei into the argument or "she'll throw compost at you!".
That was when Ms Collins' tweets turned nasty.
"She did just before lunch. Vile, wrong and ugly. Just like her jacket today LED Dimmer," Ms Collins replied.
Ms Curran called that remark "nasty, personal and unnecessary", but Ms Collins was unperturbed.
"Someone has to help her," she wrote.
Ms Turei appeared unfazed by the attack on her off-white blazer, which features boxy shoulder pads with a black trim and buttons.
"Don't worry about Judith, she's a little miffed that I buy from the same shop she does. It's very childish of her," she responded to another tweeter.
The controversial bill before the house, in its original form, would have cut counselling hours, banned lawyers from the early stages of disputes and introduced a fee of $897 to access a new family dispute resolution service.
However, in April, following select committee submissions and a pushback from the legal fraternity, Ms Collins wound back many of the proposals or introduced other measures to mitigate them Information Security.

 
North Korea says it is cutting a military hotline with South Korea, meaning that all direct inter-government and military contact has been suspended after it previously cut a Red Cross link Art Culture.
"From now, the North-South military communications will be cut off," the North's official Korean Central News Agency quoted a military official as saying.
"Under the situation where a war may break out any moment, iphone cases for 5there is no need to keep up North-South military communications," the official told a South Korean counterpart before the hotline was disconnected wine education.
He said the link would remain severed as long as the South's "anachronistic hostile acts continue".
Several weeks ago North Korea severed the Red Cross hotline used by the two governments to communicate in the absence of diplomatic relationsblackberry phone covers.
The hotline mentioned on Wednesday is important because the Koreas use it to communicate as hundreds of workers travel back and forth to the Kaesong industrial complex. Officials say more than 900 South Korean workers were in Kaesong on Wednesdaywigs shop.
It also comes a day after North Korea's military put its "strategic" rocket units on a war footing, with a fresh threat to strike targets on the US mainland, Hawaii and Guam, as well as South Korea.
North Korea is angry over routine US-South Korean drills and recent UN sanctions punishing it for its February 12 nuclear test spa hong kong.