A Letter

Dear Adam Lambert,

I think I love you.  I find you oddly adorable.

Your version of "Ring of Fire" sucked.  Please never do that again.  Ever.

Love,

Jennifer

Tough Day.

'Twas a tough day.  That's all the time I'm going to give that here.

On the upside: American Idol.  Does the show find the weirdos of America, or do the weirdos flock to the show?  I've watched most of he seasons (sans a few in the middle,) but I'm always shocked by the ridiculous people who think they can sing.  Or, they don't even think they can sing, but they have the stupidity (guts?) to go on national television acting ridiculously.  Truly amazing.

And, we're only two nights into auditions.  Which means there are at least two more to go.  I'm feeling smarter by the day.

"This is 'Top Chef,' Not 'Top Scallop'!"

If you've met me, you know that I love reality television.  (I currently have the new season of "The Real World" on in the background.)  However, "Top Chef" is my current love.

My obsession with food reality television is a new one.  Partly due to the lack of cable television through most of my life.  Now, though?  Between "Top Chef" (favourite = Jamie... and Radhika,) "Ace of Cakes" (love Geoff,) "Ultimate Recipe Showdown," "Amazing Wedding Cakes" and "Iron Chef" (where I always root for Michael Symon,) it's a wonder I'm not a better chef...  Also, I'm constantly amazed by my intrigue in these shows - it's not like I get to try the food!

That being said, I occasionally come away with some good tips / tricks / hints.  While watching "Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Cakes," the winning "birthday cake" has turned into a true winner in my life.  I bring you, courtesy of Doreen Howarth, the Put-the-Lime-in-the-Coconut Cake!  (Slight changes: I used coconut extract instead of coconut oil.  Also, I used an additional 0.5 c butter instead of shortening for the icing.)  It's always awesome to see something being made on television and actually being able to execute it yourself!  I made this for S's birthday yesterday:

The coconut is green because it's grass, people!