Normally my head is swimming with ideas or things I have to do...today it's just swimming. I have vertigo...ever had it? It's no fun. The first day I spent as much time walking into furniture as I did hanging over the porcelain throne throwing up. The mister even stayed home from work to take care of me - THAT'S how bad it was! He took me to the doctor and has been a regular Florence Nightingale! I suppose now I'll have to give him a three day pass (where I'm nice to him for 3 days, the maximum he's allowed.) The doctor, not thinking I was in enough pain, gave me an EKG, three injections and then sent me home with anti-nausea SUPPOSITORIES..and that word, my friends, was enough to cure my nausea! As I see it, where those are supposed to go is strictly a one-way street! Now, if I haven't grossed you out enough, let me just say I am somewhat better. I am taking my medication for vertigo, which is, of all things...Valium! I'm also rolling around on the bed trying to dislodge the crystal in my ears that is causing all of this - the doctor said it might work and also said hitting myself in the head above my ears might do the trick too...so if you're having a bad day I want you to picture me rolling around on my bed hitting myself in the head...that ought to snap you out of it!
Let's move onto something more pleasant before I pass out...and by pleasant I mean decadent, delicious, divine and most important, EASY! If you haven't used puff pastry shells before then shame on you - get yourself to the freezer section of your grocery store today and pick up a couple of packages - they are good for so many, many thing from savory to sweet - and always make whatever is it you fill them with look like you've been slaving away for hours! I filled these light, flaky pastry shells with fresh pears cooked in a bit of butter, vanilla, cinnamon, cream and then topped them with caramel...now that should really make your head spin!
Pears in Pastry Shells With Caramel Sauce - ME
2 firm Bartlett pears, pealed and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 package Frozen Puff Pastry Shells (6 to a package)
6 tablespoons caramel sauce (from your favorite purchased sauce)
Cook pastry shells according to package directions. Remove centers and set aside for another use or you can top your shells with them after they are filled. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter and sugar, stirring until melted. Add pears and stir until pears just begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in cream, vanilla and cinnamon, cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and using a slotted spoon, carefully fill shells with pears. Try not to put too much of the sauce into the shell or the bottom of shells will be soggy. (Just eat the sauce with a spoon when no one is looking!) Spoon about a tablespoon of caramel over each filled shell, letting it ooze in between the pieces of pears. Top with a few more pears and tops of shells, if using, and serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6. (I ended up with 5 shells because one broke when I was filling it...so I had to eat that one!)
"I used my imagination to make the grass whatever color I wanted it to be." ~ Whoopi Goldberg
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One year ago today: Macaroni and Cheese With Bacon