Hand in Hand

Handcrafted small wooden planter boxes.  This is something we started making during days we had some downtime, but didn't feel like big projects.  This one was one of my favorites. I added rocks we found at a beach and a small air plant. It sits on my kitchen counter now.                      A few of them got some extra detail with the router. Some on top, some on bottom. Just that extra bit of detail really adds to the look. Smallest are about 6" across and 3" tall.  Triangles are about 7" and 4" tall. Rectangles are roughly 7" tall, 4" wide, and 3.5" tall.  Square is roughly 7" x 7" and 4" tall.  All are stained and sealed. $15 each.     Others had an extra bit of detail added in. A different piece of wood to really add a unique look.  

So, I made meringue cookies. Never made them before. Not sure I'd even eaten them before. If you've seen them, or had them, but hesitated to make them yourself, give it a try. I was surprised at how easy they are to make. And yes, they make a lot! I ended up with 50 cookies. I didn't have a piping bag or tips. So, I just used a baggie and cut the corner off. Keep it on the small side so you don't end up with huge cookies. They're like fuffy, sweet clouds. Crispy, delicate texture.  Be gentle with them, because they will crumble in your hand. They do melt in your mouth, though. Totally worth making.   I won't leave a recipe here, but will say I moatly followed a recipe. It stated 1/4 C sugar per egg white.  I stayed close to that, but not exact. Give it a try if you want something different.

So, scotch eggs. Basically, a sausage wrapped, soft or hard boiled egg. Whether you want the egg runnier or firmer, is up to you. For a soft boiled egg, boil for about 7 minutes. A firmer egg, boil for closer to 9 minutes. Pork sausage is what you're wrapping the egg in. Instructions are simple: 1) Boil egg to preferred doneness, then peel. 2) Portion out sausage for however many eggs you are making. 3) Wrap sausage gently around peeled, boiled egg. Be sure to have egg fully encased. 4) Deep fry sausage wrapped egg until golden brown. 5) Enjoy!      It seems like such a simple dish, but is really a nice change from the typical egg dish. You can switch your flavors by using maple sausage or even sage sausage. Go spicy, if that's what tempts your tastebuds. You can also use whatever dipping sauce you would like. Really, it's a fun dish to play with flavors. Great served alongside a salad.