{"@attributes":{"version":"2.0"},"channel":{"title":"Half-baked Notions","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/","description":"Half-baked Notions - LiveJournal.com","lastBuildDate":"Thu, 20 Jun 2019 02:19:44 GMT","generator":"LiveJournal \/ LiveJournal.com","copyright":"NOINDEX","image":{"url":"https:\/\/l-userpic.livejournal.com\/123738236\/2770242","title":"Half-baked Notions","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/","width":"100","height":"71"},"item":[{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/28115.html","pubDate":"Thu, 20 Jun 2019 02:19:44 GMT","title":"Happy Birthday!!","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/28115.html","description":"\\0\/ \ud83c\udf82\ud83c\udf67\ud83c\udf86\ud83c\udf88\ud83c\udf81
Happy Birthday to <\/a>lunabee34<\/b><\/a>

<\/a>sperrywink<\/b><\/a><\/a>oldenuf2nb<\/b><\/a><\/span> at Shamelessly stolen from George Takai's facebook<\/a>

*And if you have a facebook and aren't watching him, you're missing out. Anyway*:<\/span>

The first photo sent from the Curiosity Rover on Mars:


\"255240_504332439596214_1147023620_n\"


I love George Takai!<\/div><\/div>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/18868.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/18555.html","pubDate":"Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:11:04 GMT","title":"See what ile_o did for me! (Parts 3 & 4)","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/18555.html","description":"I don't care what the calendar says, Spring and Summer are here! \\0\/
Back in '05, I wrote a ficlet about a relationship between Harry and Draco that develops over the course of a year. It was more a series of images than a story, and it killed me that I don't have the talent to render it that way. Enter <\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span> who has talent in spades and agreed to illustrate it. She blew me away with Autumn (G)<\/a> and Winter (G\/PG)<\/a>. Now she's done it again! Spring is sweet and sexy, but Summer is hothothot!
All of them are gorgeous, and it's a dream come true to see them even better than I imagined.


Spring #1
<\/a> <\/a> Rating: PG


Spring #2
<\/a> <\/a> Rating: PG


Summer
<\/a> <\/a> Rating: NC-17 *NWS*<\/font>


<\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span> wasn't entirely happy with her first version of Spring, so she re-did it and sent me both. I love them both for different reasons. I've never posted a poll before, so I decided to try one and put this out there for a vote.

View Poll: Which \"Spring\"?<\/a><\/div>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/18555.html?view=comments#comments","category":["#2","#1"]},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17744.html","pubDate":"Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:41:13 GMT","title":"Meme","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17744.html","description":"I knew when Sassy tapped DC that I'd be next :DD

SIX NAMES YOU GO BY:
1) decynthus
2) Diane
3) Auntie
4) Cakelady
5) Honey
6) Woman

THREE THNGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1) too-long jeans with raggedy hems
2) yellow shirt
3) the same earrings I always wear

THREE THINGS YOU WANT VERY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1) to be all unpacked and settled in my new apartment
2) an e-reader or tablet of some sort
3) <\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span> to finish \"Spring\" and \"Summer\"

THREE PEOPLE YOU HOPE WILL DO THE MEME (not a tag, just a gentle suggestion)
1) anybody
2) who hasn't done it already
3) who feels inclined

THREE THINGS YOU DID LAST NIGHT:
1) mounted a mirror on the bedroom closet door
2) discovered one way NOT to make an edible diet version of a whacky cake
3) re-read some more of Cambiare Podentes<\/i> (by <\/a>jordangrant<\/b><\/a><\/span>)

THREE PEOPLE YOU LAST TALKED TO ON THE PHONE:
1) my sister called to invite me for Turkey Day
2) a cable company rep
3) a Verizon telemarketer. I managed to be polite when I hung up on him. My history with them isn't his fault.

THREE THINGS YOU ARE GOING TO DO TOMORROW:
1) fill out the <\/a>hd_fanart<\/b><\/a><\/span> Artfest guessing poll. After the reveals go up Monday, I'll post a copy my entry to the fest.
2) unpack my books (two months in, and still living with boxes)
3) mount lights over the kitchen sink and stove


FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS:
1) diet cola
2) apple cider
3) hot cocoa
4) rum and Coke

THREE THINGS THAT MADE YOU SMILE TODAY:
1) my cat watching in fascination while I cooked (probably because I do it so rarely)
2) discovered that the Deathly Hallows pt 2 DVD will be out on Friday
3) watching some kids in my neighborhood playing in a pile of leaves","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17744.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17487.html","pubDate":"Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:29:13 GMT","title":"See what ile_o did for me! (part 2)","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17487.html","description":"<\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span> has done it again! This is the second in a series of four (one for each season) she's drawing to illustrate a ficlet of mine. It depicts Harry and Draco's relationship as it develops over the course of a year.
\"Autumn\" was simply gorgeous, and now \"Winter\" has come around to amaze me all over again. The snowy weather is off to an early start around here, but seeing this, I mind it a little less. (And she tells me \"Spring\" is just around the corner!) :D


Winter

<\/a> <\/a>

At ile_o's dA account<\/a>

\"Autumn\" and ficlet \"Under the Maple Tree\"<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17487.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17219.html","pubDate":"Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:15:12 GMT","title":"See what ile_o did for me! (part 1)","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17219.html","description":"Once upon a time ('way back in June of aught five), I posted this HP ficlet at <\/a>awdt<\/b><\/a><\/span> for the prompt \"I'll give you a year to stop that.\" The ficlet is crap, really. It doesn't have any plot to speak of. What I liked about it was the imagery of the change of the seasons as Harry and Draco grow closer over a year's time. I wished I had the talent to show it that way. Jump to 2011. I talked the lovely and very talented <\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span> into illustrating it for me! I was blown away by this. It's so much better than I ever imagined it! And this is only the first of four (one for each season). The ficlet \"Under the Maple Tree\" is under the cut, if you're curious, but what you really need to see is the gorgeous artwork!

Title:<\/b> Autumn
Artist:<\/b> <\/a>ile_o<\/b><\/a><\/span>
Rating:<\/b> G


<\/a>
<\/a>



Title:<\/b> Under the Maple Tree
Rating:<\/b> NC-17 (hard R?)
Time period:<\/b> Post-war, AU from the end of Order of the Phoenix<\/i>, so the epilogue never happened.
Word count:<\/b> 700-ish
Notes:<\/b>They're not mine, I just take them out to play occasionally. Also, the line \"As you wish\" is of course stolen<\/s> borrowed from The Princess Bride<\/i> by William Goldman.


A year after Voldemort\u2019s death, on Midsummer\u2019s Day, Harry Potter stood over his enemy\u2019s grave, still cursing him for all of the precious lives lost. Draco Malfoy approached him and laid a hand on his shoulder. Harry flinched but didn\u2019t move away.

\u201cPotter, you\u2019ve got to move on. Try thinking about the ones you saved. You stopped the Death Eaters just in time when they tried to brand me. All of them were destroyed through their link when the Dark L \u2013 When Voldemort died. If I\u2019d been made one of them, I\u2019d be dead now. I owe you my life.\u201d

Harry regarded him bleakly. \u201cBut I killed Professor Snape.\u201d

Draco sighed. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get you away from here.\u201d He led the other wizard out of the graveyard, through the streets of Little Hangleton and up a large hill, where they paused beneath a towering maple tree.

\u201cProfessor Snape knew what would happen, and he taught you the incantation anyway. He traded his life for the destruction of most of Voldemort\u2019s followers with one spell. He made a good trade, and he didn\u2019t give you any choice.\u201d The blond pushed on Harry\u2019s shoulders, prompting him to sit on the springy mat of grass beneath the tree.

\u201cYou are so tense, Potter. Let the dead rest, and try to relax, would you?\u201d Then more gently, \u201cLet me help you forget the war and get on with living.\u201d As he spoke, Draco massaged Harry\u2019s shoulders, working his fingers in to loosen the tight knots of muscle.

Harry gradually relaxed, allowing himself to be soothed. He grunted occasionally as Draco encountered especially tough spots, but the tension slowly drained away, and he dropped his chin to his chest, \u201cI\u2019ll give you a year to stop that.\u201d

Draco smiled at his back. \u201cAs you wish.\u201d

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~%%%~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~<\/center>

The leaves fell from the huge maple, each a frozen flame crackling in the chill breeze. Draco sat with his back against the sheltering trunk with Harry snuggled into his chest, his legs around the Gryffindor\u2019s hips. The blond slid his hands over Harry\u2019s shoulders, up the column of his neck and into his thick mane of black hair.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~%%%~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~<\/center>

The winter stars shone bright and hard as diamonds caught in the lacy net of the interwoven bare branches above them. Harry lay gazing up at them, sitting in Draco\u2019s lap, his head tucked into the Slytherin\u2019s shoulder. By their light, Draco traced the contours of Harry\u2019s face, then dipped his head to place a gentle kiss on the soft silvered lips. A flame ignited in Harry\u2019s soul, and he moaned with a waking desire. As the kiss deepened, its heat suffused them both, and the warming spell they\u2019d cast faded away unneeded.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~%%%~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~<\/center>

The warm spring breeze was doing its best, but the ground under their maple was still very cold and wet. The pair stood beside the trunk, wrapped in each other\u2019s arms. Draco leaned his shoulders against the tree, arching his back to press his hips against Harry\u2019s. He trailed his hands down the brunette\u2019s back, skimmed over his hips, then gripped his buttocks to pull the man to him. They swayed together along with the budding branches above them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~%%%~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~<\/center>

Midsummer\u2019s Eve had been a perfect day, clear, sunny and breezy. The glorious sunset had given way to velvet, star-sprinkled darkness. Draco lay trembling atop Harry, still inside him, though totally spent. The blond gave his lover\u2019s cock a final stroke, and Harry came with a cry, pumping his release into the springy mat of grass upon which he knelt. Draco massaged his shoulders and neck, gentling him through his orgasm.

He whispered in Harry\u2019s ear, \u201cYou said you\u2019d give me a year to stop this.\u201d

\u201cMm hmmm.\u201d

\u201cAnd what will you do to me if I don\u2019t?\u201d

\u201cI\u2019ll love you forever.\u201d
<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/17219.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16760.html","pubDate":"Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:48:50 GMT","title":"Happy Birthday sassyinkpen!!","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16760.html","description":"This isn't quite<\/i> belated... <\/small>

I hope you've had as much fun today as you can without law enforcement involvement. *G*
Wishing all the best for the coming year!","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16760.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16434.html","pubDate":"Sun, 03 Jul 2011 02:57:05 GMT","title":"Turning 50 my way","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16434.html","description":"Thanks to my flist for all the birthday wishes! I was all set to sulk about being a half century<\/i> old, but finally decided to get over myself and have some fun. So I booked a train to Penn Station and an 8th row orchestra seat to \"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.\" I stayed over, then went to the Discovery Center where there's an exhibit of HP costumes and props. It totally blew my budget, but it was a blast, and I want to do it all again! Sometime before I mark the next 50.



I arrived at Penn Station a couple of hours before the hotel's check-in time, so I walked over to he Fashion Institute of Technology and checked out the gallery exhibits. There was a collection of sportswear through the years. The displays were grouped by sport. It was nifty to see the juxtaposition of old and new, like bathing dresses side by side with spandex bikinis. Some of the old ice skating outfits looked like evening wear. Gorgeous work!

It was a beautiful day, so I walked up 7th Ave. to Times Square to get to the hotel. (18 blocks, <\/a>fatorangecat<\/b><\/a><\/span>. How many miles is that, I wonder? Not as much as 3.5 though.) The hotel room was horrible, but it was a (relatively) cheap place to crash.

The show was absolutely fabulous! I think I would have been impressed by Mr. Radcliffe even if I wasn't already a fan. He's a great comic actor, and it was pure joy to watch him and John Laroquette breaking each other up. While they were waiting for the audience to stop laughing so they could go on, they were doing all these little bits of stage business that just got everybody laughing harder. They didn't *quite* break character, but you could see they were cracking up.
Dan has a good singing voice, but his dancing blew me away. He was keeping right up with the pros in the chorus line, and there were some pretty athletic moves. Check it out!<\/a> The rest of the cast, the whole production really, was wonderful. Bud Frump (Chris Hanke) and Hedy LaRue (Tammy Blanchard) were especially good.
I hung out at the stage door after the show and watched Dan and John sign autographs. I couldn't get close and watched from a stoop across the street. Dan is so short, it was hard to see him at all. John, however, was easy to spot! Afterwards they went back inside. A little later, John came back out and started signing again. A lot of people had left by then, so I went over, but he quit right before he got to me. :( He was very sweet, signing so many and posing for pics. I was holding out for an autograph - should have just taken a pic. Oh well!

I went for a late dinner to the Westway Diner (birthplace of the Seinfeld show, btw). A friend and I found it by accident my first time there, and I keep going back. You can get everything from breakfast to filet mignon at reasonable prices.

The next morning, I went over to the Harry Potter Exhibition. As you enter, a few of the kids can volunteer to be sorted. Really cute! The audio tour is narrated by the production staffers. So as you're looking at Lucius' robes, you're hearing the costume designer talk about her concept. Costumer that I am, I was especially taken with the robes. Lochhart's, Slughorn's and McGonnagal's were stunning. Bellatrix's Half Blood Prince<\/i> dress wasn't \"pretty\", but it was really well done and perfect for her character.
There were hundreds of props and set pieces, too. The full scale models of Buckbeak and the Horntail's head were there, also the house elves. I won't list them all LOL, but the whole exhibit was really well done.
I had to control myself in the gift shop. I convinced myself that $60 for a time turner was taking the birthday indulgences too far (like the whole trip wasn't doing that aleady LOL)
My feet had started to blister by then, so it was a cab for me to catch the train home.
<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16434.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16180.html","pubDate":"Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:43:47 GMT","title":"Werewolves With Top Hats","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16180.html","description":"I've been watching a community called <\/a>geekcrafts<\/b><\/a><\/span> that was featured recently. There have been some really clever projects posted. I'm tempted to post some of my cakes there (tho it would probably be better to start with my own journal...)
Anyway, <\/a>yunikoneko<\/b><\/a><\/span> has posted pics of costumes she did for an original music video, \"Werewolves With Top Hats\" that was written and produced by a friend of hers. The costumes are great, but the vid is just incredible The song is cute and catchy, and the werewolves are all \"dapper and posh\". Go check it out! (This means you, <\/a>catyah<\/b><\/a><\/span>)

Werewolves With Top Hats<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/16180.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15882.html","pubDate":"Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:06:07 GMT","title":"Happy Birthday catyah!","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15882.html","description":"I hope you're having a great day and the year to come is filled with books (and time to read them!) and music and lots of furry feline love!

Enjoy!
Diane
Bonnie & Clyde","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15882.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15867.html","pubDate":"Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:59:17 GMT","title":"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DC!!!!","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15867.html","description":"Sorry I couldn't swing your first choice of restaurant. We'll do that next year - meet up in Hawaii on your way back from Japan, and I'll take you AND the boys out for dinner. Meanwhile I hope you have a great day celebrating your birthday (and enjoying all the post date night squee :D )
P.S. - Grab the icon - it's one of your presents.

I fail at flashy graphics :-( <\/small>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15867.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15526.html","pubDate":"Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:23:30 GMT","title":"This makes me very happy!","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15526.html","description":"Government drops defense of anti-gay-marriage law<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15526.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15342.html","pubDate":"Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:48:52 GMT","title":"The boy is back in town","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15342.html","description":"I followed some links and came across this today. Come see what Dan Radcliffe is up to now<\/a>

It looks like fun, even if he does look like Tobey Maguire... *snicker*","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15342.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15005.html","pubDate":"Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:42:12 GMT","title":"I know what I'll be wearing on the 20th","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/15005.html","description":"Originally posted by <\/a>neo_prodigy<\/b><\/a>
<\/a>sassyinkpen<\/b><\/a><\/span> posted a nifty tip. Apparently many blender bases are the same size as a Mason jar, so you can screw the jar onto the base and grind or chop away. I mentioned I wanted to try it to make peanut butter, and Sassy asked for an update. Finally, 3 weeks later, here it is.

Sadly, the Mason jar trick was a no-go. The collar on my blender is too small.
I went online to look for PB makers. Most were commercial-type rigs, but there was one retro-looking gadget for about $30 that sounded wonderful. That is, until I read some reviews of it on another page: \"Impossible to clean\" \"got stuck and started smoking\" and two \"threw it in the trash\"s. Pass.
Not one to give up, I bought your basic food processor with a big bowl and a decent motor.
I'm trying to cut down on the salt, sugar & fat, so I started with unsalted roasted peanuts, ground 2 cups of nuts into meal, then added 1 Tbsp. peanut oil. It had to be stirred by hand a few times when the blades just spun and nothing was moving, but it got better when the oil went in. It might not need stirring with more oil added from the start, but I wanted to get away with using as little as possible. It came out fine - and doesn't separate when it sits. It has an interesting texture; it's a thick paste, almost crunchy, but with little flecks, not chunks. 6 cups of unshelled nuts made about 3 1\/2 cups of peanut butter. I don't care for it in anything cooked, like pie filling or ice cream sauce, but it's great for toast and sandwiches. (Please don't ask why I'm making my own so I can cut down on salt, sugar & fat, and then trying it out in desserts. Let's just not even go there.)
If I saved any money, it wasn't worth the extra effort, but this was fun. :D","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/14040.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13472.html","pubDate":"Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:57:27 GMT","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13472.html","description":"<\/a>sassyinkpen<\/b><\/a><\/span> asked for some healthy recipes. This one is for \"Roasted Pear-Butternut Soup with Crumbled Stilton\" It was a bit much to stuff into a comment, and it's a dandy, so I've posted it here for all.

Basically, you roast the squash with pears, tomatoes, a leek and garlic, then puree it all in with your broth. What really makes it is a garnish of crumbled bleu cheese. The whole recipe is under the cut.

Roasted Pear-Butternut Soup with Crumbled Stilton<\/b>

Makes 6 servings, 1 1\/3 cup each

Ingredients<\/b>

2 ripe pears, peeled, quartered and cored
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 medium tomatoes, cored and quartered
1 large leek, pale green and white parts only, halved lengthwise and washed thoroughly.
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
\u00bd teaspoon salt, divided
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2\/3 cup crumbled Stilton or other blue-veined cheese
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives or scallion greens

Instructions<\/b>

!. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Combine pears, squash, tomatoes, leek, garlic, oil, \u00bc teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 40 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Place half the vegetables and 2 cups broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. Puree the remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth. Add to the pan and stir in the remaining \u00bc teaspoon salt.
4. Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot, about 10 minutes. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with cheese and chives (or scallion greens).

Tips<\/b>
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Add more broth when reheating, if desired.

Nutrition information<\/b>
Per serving: 236 calories; 10 g fat (4 g sat, 5 g mono); 11 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 6 g fiber; 721 mg sodium; 721 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (350% daily value), Vitamin C (70% dv), Potassium (21% dv), Calcium (20% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, \u00bd fruit, 2 fat

Credit: www.eatingwell.com

<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13472.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13275.html","pubDate":"Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:48:57 GMT","title":"For the crocheters and knitters on my flist","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13275.html","description":"I went to a bridal shower today, and someone had made this crocheted market bag (with a gorgeous afghan inside it) for the bride. The bag seems really functional and not too difficult to make (says the knitter). When I asked the woman if she'd share the pattern, she gave me this link. There are a lot of nice patterns for knit and crochet along with some other fiber arts stuff. Check it out!<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/13275.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/9294.html","pubDate":"Fri, 23 Dec 2005 10:36:53 GMT","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/9294.html","description":"In her lj, <\/a>irish279<\/b><\/a><\/span> is starting to post recipes. I liked the idea, so I'm stealing<\/s> borrowing it. Here's my candy cane ice cream recipe. I'd love it if everybody would reply with their favorite Holiday-time recipe. Merry Christmas all! *hugs*



Candy Cane Ice Cream


1 cup finely crushed candy canes or starlight mints (About 18 regular-sized canes)
sugar
2 cups milk
3 eggs, well beaten
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp real vanilla extract (Artificial often loses its flavor when frozen)

Put the crushed candy in a measuring cup, then add sugar so that it sifts down and fills in the spaces, so you end up with a solid cupful.

Put the milk, eggs and candy in a 2- or 3-qt saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the candy is dissolved and mixture is steaming but not<\/u> boiling. Cool the mixture. For a smoother ice cream, strain it through a seive. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until well blended. Cover and chill several hours.

Freeze per your ice cream freezer's directions. If you don't have an ice cream freezer, put the mixture in a large shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap and place it in your freezer. When it freezes to the point of being a very thick mush, take it out and beat it with an electric mixer to make it lighter and fluffier. (This heavy mush stage is a good time to stir in more coarsely crushed candy, if desired.) Return it to the freezer quickly to complete freezing.

Serve garnished with more crushed candy and\/or chocolate sauce or hot fudge. Makes 1 to 1-1\/2 quarts. It's best when fresh, but it will keep in the freezer with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.

Actually, the best time to make this is right after<\/i> Christmas, when the candy canes are on sale *g*



<\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/9294.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/3301.html","pubDate":"Fri, 10 Sep 2004 07:41:41 GMT","title":"You know you're from lj when... you can't resist these memes","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/3301.html","description":"These state\/ country memes are so funny! The one for my area (upstate New York) was pretty specific to the Albany area, so I wrote my own. I stole<\/strike> borrowed a few from the Michigan meme - they were just too perfect! So without further ado....




You laugh at the people from New York who think Westchester is on the Canadian border.

You own a kerosene heater and a generator.

There is a large population of snowbirds, but not a feather in sight.

You identify newcomers by the way they pronounce Lowville and Madrid.

The river rats have tales.

You know that the Snow Belt is not a clothing accessory.

You can tell spring is coming because the snowbanks have all turned black and the maple trees have sprouted buckets.

Rising milk prices are a good thing.

The year is divided into hunting seasons.

You know what a cord is and how many will fit between those two trees.

None of the school districts can work out their budgets until three men in a room can finally agree on the state budget.

You have a bag of kitty litter in the trunk of your car, and you don't have a cat.

The best cheese curd squeaks.

The downstate politicians tell you in their campaign speeches that they don't really need your votes.

You've hit or been hit by deer three times this year.

The Southern Tier is north of New York.

You go to Mexico for apples, not burritos.

Going out for dinner could mean going out of the country - to Canada for Chinese food.

You exchange venison recipes with the other Grange ladies.

Your car rusts out before you need the brakes done.

You know more about chill factors and lake effect than you'd EVER like to know!

The snow freezes so hard you can actually walk across it and not break it or leave any marks.

Half the change in your pocket is Canadian, eh!

<\/dl><\/a>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/3301.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/2881.html","pubDate":"Thu, 01 Jul 2004 02:59:46 GMT","title":"I heard a hen talking to her chick","author":"decynthus","link":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/2881.html","description":"\n\n\n\n
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C:  Am I people?<\/p>\n

H: No, you are a chicken<\/p>\n

C:  Do chickens come from people?<\/p>\n

H:  No, chickens come from eggs<\/p>\n

C:   Are eggs born?<\/p>\n

H:  No, eggs are laid<\/p>\n

C:  Are people laid?<\/p>\n

H: Some are.  Others are chicken<\/p><\/td><\/tr>\n

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1<\/blockquote>","comments":"https:\/\/decynthus.livejournal.com\/2881.html?view=comments#comments"}]}}