So, in honor of the annual Dinah Shore weekend (the white party), I was going to make it for the girls. I thought I would add turquoise sprinkles. Is there anything better than a chooey sugar cookie, dreamy frosting and brightly colored sugar crystals... (okay, fine, I have had a glass of wine tonight, so I guess sugar crystals does seem a bit dreamy, but I am Jodi.)
Back to the illustrious night- after hitting the town, a picnic seemed to fit the spot. "Turn on the grill, turn on the oven and pour me a glass," she says. After baking potatoes with heavy cream, horseradish sauce and sharp cheddar cheese; grilling romaine hearts; and blending a fresh chimichurri sauce, I poured myself a glass of magistrate (my new favorite cab-go get some!) we set the table on the floor (more fun!) and passed the salt and pepper. It was to be a meal of epic proportion...alright, fine, we were high on life...aka buzzed!! the food was amazing. However, I think the group was tired of me professing my love to the chimichurri...still giggling at this thought!
One might think that after a bitchin' dinner after midnight that there was only one logical next step...yep, you guessed it!!?!?! crashin' in bed...NOPE!!!! It was time to make my grandma's frosting!!!!! ha ha ha ha ha ha still laughing ha ha ha...actually everybody was laughing...but, remember, i am jodi!!
first batch, i threw in all the ingredients...NOPE
second batch, i let some of the egg yolk slip in...NOPE
third batch, i added too much vanilla...NOPE
Now, at this point, you might think- GO TO BED! You can't make frosting, stupid head...but then again, I am very determined. "I'll do it," were my first words.
fourth batch, it was perfect
Everyone gathered around...the love languages had been discovered; the wrinkle room had been explored; the jokes of the night had been shared; the jackalope had been admired; the comedy/irony of Dinah Shore singles and couples had been analyzed and smirked at; and the golf balls had been hit over the pond, it was now time to lick the spoon, and play with the best frosting ever!!
After a few cookies and ridiculously full bellies, it was determined that this perfect Saturday in the desert (with more women that could be counted but spent with only a few special ones) was, well, perfect just the way it was. I guess a good bottle of red, a great group of confident women and a passion in the kitchen equals the right kind of contentment...it is surely all I will ever need.
Make this recipe when you want something that is sweet, but not too sweet; something that is dreamy, but doesn't promise anything; something that loves you back but doesn't expect anything; something that is easy but seems so hard; something that is the prettiest one at the party but doesn't even get it. make this frosting and spread it on something you love...or someone you love...you won't be disappointed.
On a total side note, I crack up when I think that I was going to be the modern girl to my grandma's kitchen...she has shown me up to the point that I am truly humbled at how bitchin' she was...but, I digress, I think she would've liked my picnic at midnight and she would have thought my chimichurri was pretty good!!! ha ha ha I only hope wherever she is that she knows that today, yesterday and tomorrow she is my hero, my inspiration and my guru in the kitchen. My kitchen where, I know she would agree, it wouldn't matter if you were young, old; gay, straight; black, white; modern or experienced; or knew saffron existed or not...it would and should only matter that you want to cook and share good food with the people you are happy to know on this big beautiful planet...
By the way, the chimichurri is great on bread the next day...Dinah would approve- it is an effigy to the greens! ha ha
as it stands~
guests- 4
emotions- joy sprinkled with dismay
meltdowns- 1 ( i was going to run out of eggs!!!)
mistakes- i think you know!!
recipes- 1
recipes to date- 20
The Recipe
White Frosting
2 egg whites
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
Beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Mix corn syrup and sugar in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture just comes to a full boil. Beat in hot syrup to the egg whites, a little at a time. Beat in vanilla. Continue beating until the mixture holds still peaks. Makes enough to frost tops and sides of 2 8" or 9" layers.
if you halve the recipe it is good for a dozen sugar cookies or a great decorative topping for your significant other...your choice...
