Get Well Soon!

One time last year my buddy Katie got sick, so I drew this picture of her favorite things (always a good idea if you need a get well soon card idea). The anthropomorphic penguin always works.

Chai Caramel Sandwich Cookies

This is a continuation of Hallie's and my happy little foray into tea-infused sugar cookies. I suggested that we try chai and Hallie threw in the caramel idea. And hoo boy, you have no idea how beautifully these turned out. Not too sweet, with a shortbread-like texture and an exciting, comforting zing of chai spices. These are perfect for filling your cookie jar, for an afternoon snack or, heck, for filling up with caramel and snarfing down like there's no tomorrow.

The Reminder

Peter introduced me to the wonderful, magical musical world of Feist, so for Christmas 2011 I gave him this silhouette of her as a present. She's got a really cool nose.

Riders on the Storm

Jim Morrison for my mom. She had a huge crush on him. Also her office doesn't have a window so I figured this would be a much nicer thing to look at than an empty wall.

Almond Honey-Whiskey Cookies

Warning. These cookies are definitely for those in the 21-and-over set. It all started that other night when Hallie and I were stress baking our final paper feelings over a bottle of wine. "Hey, look what I have," Hallie said. She said it in this super-casual way that usually portends disaster for the peace of mind of her boyfriend Charlie and her cat Sylvia. "I have a bottle of Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey," said Hallie. "Let's put it in a cookie," I said, taking a large swig and reaching out to replay "Single Ladies" for the third time in a row. Charlie and Sylvia glanced at each other and headed for the back room.

Ball and Chain

Janis Joplin. If you want to make your day better go watch Janis singing "Ball and Chain" at the Monterey Pop festival. Especially the part where Mama Cass is visibly freaking out in the audience.

Who Are You?

Roger Daltrey at Woodstock, that's who! Fringe upon fringe upon fringe.

Arugula Ravioli With Balsamic Tomato Sauce

Right now I think we all should just take a moment and tip our hats to the brilliant individual who decided that stuffing delicious pasta with delicious things and topping it off with a delicious sauce would be a good idea. Making your own ravioli is a time-consuming, delicate affair but the rewards you reap cannot be overestimated; I am of the personal opinion that homemade pasta simply tastes better, which may have something to do with the sweet personal satisfaction of having created everything from scratch.