Red Velvet Cupcakes

OK so Ms. Hristodoulou convinced me to make these so I'll be bringing them tomorrow.
Thanks again for the spanikopita by the way.

Ms. Moore and I were talking about the idiosyncrasies that go along with baking and how it's the luck of the draw with cupcakes...Sometimes they come out like muffins.

I mean, there are some non-negotiables, like ensuring that your butter, eggs and other wet ingredients are room temperature. Then there's baking time. In any case, drop by 239 to get yourself a cupcake. Last time they were gone by 3rd period.

Asian Barbecued Ribs

My nephew and I are about to tear these bad boys up!

The recipe was not that difficult. All it took was some sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, Chinese five spice, pineapple juice, ketchup, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic and fresh smashed ginger. Oh yeah, and the ribs, of course, trimmed of excess fat. The ribs came out sweet, spicy and sticky. I opted not to garnish with sesame seeds.

Now if it would just stop snowing...

Empanadas

This appetizer is a bit labor intensive and time consuming but it's worth the effort.

First, chop up some onions, garlic and olives:




Then start thawing your empanada skins:


After that, saute the onions and garlic in some olive oil:


Then season some ground beef with these spices and add to the onion and garlic saute:



Brown the ground beef well and break up any large pieces:


Add some sofrito and lastly, the chopped olives:



Roll out each empanada skin slightly...don't overdo it or they'll tear:


Fill the center of the skin with a good amount of the cooked meat mixture:


Seal the edges with a little water and then press around the empanada with a fork:


Repeat 9 times:


Now the unhealthy part...fry the empanadas in vegetable oil:

If you don't roll the skins, the empanadas will have a smoother, more uniform look.
If you do, they will have a bubbly appearance and come out a little crunchier.
By the way, the skins will brown pretty quickly. Drain the empanadas on paper towels.

Eat the empanadas!

Make sure you give one to Ms. Montalvo.