OK, Y’all. I’m not even kidding. A half hour ago I opened a box Melissa overnighted to me filled with home-made goodies. I’m not talking chocolate chip cookies here (but I do like those). I’m talking – are you ready for this? – Russian Tea Cakes, Seasoned Parmesan Cheese Sticks (FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!), and this thing she called an “Apple Crostata.” (Different than that apple tart on her last blog. Did it come from one of your recipes or is she outsmarting us again??) Y’all, as I live and breathe, I have never had a more pleasant taste in my mouth – delicate, crusty, buttery, apple-y – than that darn thing. I stuck it the the oven per her instructions for 15 minutes to reheat it and it came out looking like a French chef’s masterpiece. I took it downstairs to the staff (she sent it to work so it wouldn’t sit all day on the front porch at home) and my LPM sisters and I lost our minds, it was so good. It honestly melted in our mouths with flavors so delicate you had to stand up to eat it. I could taste the slightest hint of orange in it. Don’t know what that was. Orange I guess. (Laughing at my own self.) The Apple Crostata doesn’t throw a party in your mouth like a kickin’ salsa. It offered more of an afternoon tea with Princess Diana, God rest her soul. This is a dessert for the unhurried. For those with a discerning pallet. And mine discerned all right. Mine discerned, “DANG, CHILD! THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I’VE EVER PUT IN MY MOUTH!”
(I just grabbed the dictionary to see if I spelled the right “pallet” that meant taste buds instead of a thing you take to mother’s day out for your three year old. I didn’t spell the right one but I can’t find the right spelling to save my life. I found a word “pallette” but it means an armpit plate from a suit of armor. I sure am glad I didn’t use that word because this post has nothing to do with armpits but it does have to do with plates and with food so good you could work up a sweat. I guess, then, you could use a discerning pallette to keep it covered. Hey, did you know that Paraclete is in the Webster’s Dictionary? I just found it. WOW! Way to Go, Merriam!)
OK. That’s all I wrote to say. I don’t have time for blogging today. But sometimes matters of highest urgency arise and you just have to stop and post.
I hope if any of you Siestas are having a crumby day, it’s coming from a home made Apple Crostata. I’ve gotta go wash my hands now. They’re sticking to the keys. Apple. With a hint of orange.
PS. I’m going to wait just a tad longer to have Melissa deprogrammed from the cooking cult. She’s still studying Scripture between oven buzzers best I can tell.
Beth,
OK, I’m just a bit jealous! Gettin’ an overnight package of goodies…wow. I love cooking too and all this “talk” of cooking has got me just wanting to get in the kitchen and whip up something special!
Okay….of course you’d be expecting us to ask for the recipe. Come on…give it up!! You have us salivating and with no means to satisfy the craving. A picture would also be delightful!! (I always love picture based recipe books!!). P.S. “palate”…also refers to the hard and soft palate in your mouth.
Oh Beth you leave me in stiches!! I laugh out loud at your humor. Thanks for sahring Melissa’s culinary delights with us.
Precious. If she has to be that far away from her mother, at least you know within hours of her final touches you can be tasting something delicious from her very own hands. I bet it was really, really good! Go eat another bite for me.
Lisa
Oooohh that apple thing-y sounds really scrumptious – made my mouth water just reading about it! Another recipe post – pretty please?!?!
By the way, Miss Beth, the word you wanted to use is spelled PALATE! 🙂 According to dictionary.com it is from the Latin word palatum which means “roof of the mouth”. Geez, that sounds pretty brainy & fancy for “taste buds” – yeah I’m from Texas too!
Just went and bought the “No Other Gods” workbook yesterday. Can’t wait to start!
ya’ll are a hoot! Enjoy those delectable edibles
Dearest,
You are a hoot!
Having my staff hear me laughing out loud while sitting alone in my office makes them question my sanity. It did not help when I told them I was reading about “an armpit plate from a suit of armor”. I tried to explain that it was a blog comment from one of the greatest women’s bible study leaders on the planet. They just smiled and slowly nodded their heads while squinting their eyes.
Oh well, they know I’m insanely in love with Jesus and that is good enough for me.
Chris in CO.
TOO FUNNY! I love how you write the same way your mind thinks. LOL
That was just great. Wish I could cook/enjoy cooking the same way Melissa does. Unfortunately that isn’t one of my “gifts.” :o)
I stand in awe of her culinary prowess.
Anna in MO
You’re going to post the recipe for this most amazing culinary masterpiece, right??
An update on my mammogram ~ saw the surgeon on Tuesday and it’s nothing. Praise God!! He’s so gracious. It’s a little “fatty cyst” which can stay there and not be worried about any more.
I had a question and wasn’t sure the best place to ask, so I’ll post it here and if anyone knows, thanks in advance for the answer. Is there anywhere I can find the text of the video notes from one of your studies? I’m just doing it on my own, so I don’t have the videos, but I’d like to complete those sections. Call it my own little “colored pencil” obsession. I’m working on Breaking Free and this week’s session had some especially pertinent content for my “issues”. TIA
Can’t wait for that yummy recipe. What a blessing to have a daughter who not only creates yummy things, but takes the time to send them to her mom!!
~smooches~
Britiney
OK I just went to a recipe web site and got the recipe. My husband is really loving all the new sweets I am cooking these days. I think I will try this tonight.
Can’t wait for the Bible Study to start next week . I have my workbook and ready to go.
This is so much fun.
yum..what a sweet and thoughtful daughter-especially to send it to the office. i’m just wondering if there is any left to take home to Melissa’s daddy?
That sounds delicious! The word you are looking for is “palate”. Glad you were able to have some “high tea” in the middle of your day!
Blessings, Laurie in TN
Palate my precious Beth! My mom loved for me to make things for her, and this post sounded so much like her. I sure wish she was here so I could now. Enjoy this new discovery with your darling Melissa and savor with your palate all her creations. I think you are on you way to having a very educated, sophisticated palate to pick up on the hint of orange. Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
Beth,
You crack me up!! You are the funniest hands down! Melissa’s recipes are making me hungry. Melissa needs to whip up something for the Siesta Fiesta. heehee
I think Melissa needs to have her own catering business!! :o)
Hope everyone at LPM is having a great day!
Love,
Patty
Beth, the spelling you were looking for is “palate”. Couldn’t resist — had to get out my dictionary 🙂 Can’t figure out if that’s the writer in me or the old English teacher 🙂
Ha! This made me laugh! Now I need that recipe, too!
Darling Beth, this PROVES, beyond a doubt, that you are a Christian. For you to SHARE such goodies….well, you truly have Jesus in your heart. :o) Had it been me I’d have turned the lights out, crouched down low behind my desk and SNARFED it all down myself. Then I’d have raised just my hands above the desk and sent out an emergency SOS to Melissa asking for more…. Gotta give Melissa credit, too, for being able to share. Now could you share the recipe? :o)
Oh my word you make me laugh! I’m so glad Melissa sent you a care package! That is the sweetest thing! My sons will probably overnight me carepackages of their dirty laundry! 🙂
Blessings
Michelle
*laugh* This is one of my all-time favorite entries. I’m making the tarte aux pommes* for a barbecue on Saturday and can’t wait! I was giddy last night while buying the puff pastry, and I have a whole mess of apples from the farmer’s market that need to be used. So exciting! If Melissa wouldn’t mind sharing the latest recipe (also, the one for the Parmesan deliciousness)… I personally wouldn’t mind 🙂
*I’m also a Texan, but I took seven years of French classes with strict professors who’d yell at you for throwing a twang into their pretty pronunciation!
Wow! What an unexpected delight! I know your palate’s and your tummies were blessed.
Just remember: “a moment on the lips could mean a lifetime on the hips.”
Surprises are so much fun.
Hugs!
Mary
Just thought that you might like to know that I think that ‘palate’ is the right word!
And I do think that all that food sounds absolutely scrummy, I wish someone would send me a food parcel!!
God Bless you for sharing your wonderful story, you made me hungrey for something apple.
By the way it’s palate.
In His love,
Rebecca
OK…Now I’m hungry. I have the strongest urge to drive down to Kathleen’s (the local tea room) and order a swanky dessert. Notice I said my urge was to “order” not “bake”. I love to bake, actually, but don’t have time to do the fancy stuff these days!
Also, I have to ask…Beth, what is a pallet – meaning “a thing you take to mother’s day out for your three year old”? I think I missed out on that one when mine we’re three.
Hope you enjoy your treats from Melissa. How sweet of her to spoil ya’ll!!!
Sheri in NC
Beth,
You are a kick in the pants. I love to read your blog. (First time to comment.) I could taste the apple and orange as I was reading. Have a good time in Atlanta.
Love you much,
Karen
You’re killing all my dieting attempts(half-hearted as they are).
Beth… you are way too funny! How wonderful that Melissa has turned into a Gourmet Cook and is sharing the goodies.
Who knows she could be the new Martha Stewart!
LOL!Sweet Beth, the surest way to deprogram this cooking diva is to pray that the Lord will bless her with a precious, bouncing, busy BABY! (that’ll get her out of the kitchen!)
much love,
Teresa
Braden, TN
Ahh, that’s like fresh air… that smells like cooking apples! I am all smiles! Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm… what else can we do with a crumby day… make a pie, anyone?
I’ve got mixed berries that are begging for sugar and a crumb topping. Hmmm… sounds do-able. And I know how much my man loves his mama’s berry pie. Sounds like a winner to me. I can handle that.
Blessings to you all today!
I cannot find the right spelling either, and my blood sugar is going up just reading about all the yummy food!
It’s just not fair to talk to a pregnant woman like this! You are making me crave things I should not crave … since I can’t get out of bed to make anything right now and since being in a sitting / lying position 90% of my day it would add way too many pounds to this frame … just not fair! 🙂
Good Girl, Melissa!! I love it!
Which begs me, a beggar, to ask–will you share the recipe??????
And then it begs me to ask another question (I am indeed a beggar at your feet)–I am compiling a Siesta Fiesta cookbook for all the Siestas (even the ones not Siesta-ing. May I, can I, with sugar on top and a latte on the side…copy recipes from your blog for it? Melissa? Amanda? Beth? Uncle Wayne?
It will just be for cost plus $5 to build a well or two or three for LOI.
Love you all, dearly!
holly
You are cracking me up today. The apple crostata sounds absolutely incredible. I wonder if it had a little orange zest in it to give it that hint of orange? Mmmm.mmmm.mmm. My mouth is watering!
Wait, I found it. Pallet. That’s the correct one. At least as far as clearing one’s pallet with regard to enjoying food.
You are just too funny! But I admit, I am envious that you were able to feast on something so wonderful this morning! 🙂
The word “palate” is the one that refers to your mouth and tasting sensors! 🙂
Prayers and Blessings!
Rebecca
Okay, what I want to know is how the Moore/Jones/Fitzgerald girls bake/eat like this and remain a size two ???? What’s the secret???
I, on the other hand, walk by a cookie and gain weight! I’ve always considered myself a “Boticelli Beauty”…soft, round and dimply in all the right places, just like a cream puff. Maybe I was born 100 years too late! We “full-figured” gals were quite the fashion way back when.
So, while I much a carrot, enjoy your buttery, flakey whatevers. Love you gals!!!
Yum!!!
What a thoughtful daughter you have!
Quick question about the summer Bible study…My girlfriend and I want to do it, but the 17th is smack in the middle of our Bible School week. Could we start a week later than everyone else? I know we’d have to print off the discussion questions for use for the next week and we wouldn’t be on the same page as everyone as far as feedback goes, but we really are looking forward to it and want to participate.
Any suggestions?
Love in Christ,
Amber in TN
What fun! Miles apart but still so close. How thoughtful of you sweet Melissa. Y’all all have a wonderful day! It’s so neat to feel a part of Siestahood! ~Dana
Hey Beth~
Recently I have been re-organizing and simplifying alot of things and as I read your post about Melissa studying between baking…it got me to thinking.
I was wondering if you, Melissa, Amanda,(and any Siesta willing to share)could tell me how you plan out your usual day.
I am currently wearing many “hats” as a soccer mom, Girl Scout mom, Taxi driver, involved in Women’s Ministry, etc… Oh, did I mention I homeschool? And, of course, I want to squeeze in exercise and a cup of coffee with a girlfriend now and then when I’m not planning meals or helping my husband! Basically, like every other woman who works inside or outside the home…I want to find a balance where my Quiet time doesn’t get either “put on the back burner” or becomes part of the daily check list. I’m just looking for tips and ideas from other women on what their daily schedule is like. If anything, it might be encouraging just to know I am not alone in the “busyness” of daily “To Do’s”.
Just thought it might be fun to see “how” other Siestas get it all done with lipgloss still intact! HA HA
Thanks!
Michelle
Do you think it would be okay if I prayed that my daughter would someday join Melissa’s cooking cult and send homemade baked goods home to her mama? Until then, can you give Melissa my address?
I figure there’s got to be an aberrant cooking gene somewhere in the gene pool. Clearly, we didn’t get it sister. Unless corn dogs count…
Oh, and I guess “palate” is southern for plate??? Give me my Puh-Late of food? Pronounce it right…sound it out. You know, how a kid will say PUH-Lease?
Yeah, I know…I digress. It’s not even pronounced that way. But it is something to think about…maybe. If you’re a culinary expert or taste tester, don’t slay me for my above comments. I’m just a country girl from Mississippi. 🙂
Love ya!
Rebecca
A girl after my own heart! Yummy, sounds so good..tell her to visit my blog and check the mac and cheese out..yummy too..
Alyce
Sounds like a Barefoot Contessa thing to me, I know because of her I had to update my KitchenAide Mixer this year. Hers was better… I belong to the cooking cult too, sad but true. Thanks for the post it made me smile.
How precious that Melissa “Fed Exed” (sp?) you all some of her delicacies! I love it!
You always make me laugh and smile with your posts! I always feel as if I am right there listening to your story! I can just picture the whole process of you laughing and looking up the word palate! Typing with sticky fingers! Apple with a hint of orange!
Have a Happy Day Girls! Emmy : )
Michelle, try the Flylady website. She is pretty great. [email protected]
Since the Deeper Still conference is still 3 weeks away in ATL, Amanda has plenty of time to bake plenty of goodies to hand out to the Siestas that are attending…LOL! Yep, pray for a baby or two and all the cooking will stop for sure.
I’m still stuck on what Pie Weights are used for!
Julie
GA
that made my heart smile and my mouth (the jumbo sweet tooth) water! sigh. : )
hahaha — I thought using the word “pallate” (however you spell it) as a place for a baby to lay was strictly a south Alabama term! It tickled me to see it on your blog.
Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta for the Deeper Still conference!
Hey Atlanta girls! Like Ocean Mommy said. Let’s all get together one day and fellowship. Would love for Melissa to join us. Starbuck’s would be great. I live south of the city. It would be great to meet in person. Melissa reminds me so much of me when I was first married. I cooked through everyone of Martha Stewart’s cookbooks!
Hugs,
Amy
Britiney, thanks the update, I’m so glad to hear the good news about your mammogram! I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you this week. Another answered prayer:)
Ocean mommy, I am an Atlanta area siesta-you can count me in for anything meeting involving Melissa’s cooking and Starbucks!
Beth, you crack me up. I just made chocolate chip cookies-homemade, not break and bake kind-but of course ended up eating more dough than anything. Now I need a big glass of milk!
How SWEET!!!!! Maybe she will graciously whip up some for the Fiesta! You guys are so funny!
Love you!
Amanda in SC