I am taking a break from cookie making to finish this post. Just so you know, I always thought Martha Stewart’s Cookies Book was the best volume for baking. I have a new favorite! The King Arthur Cookie Companion is now my new best friend! For YEARS I have been making checkerboard cookies the way Martha said, rolling and slicing strips of dough. Measuring and stacking to make sure they came out correctly. It always put my OCD on edge. King Arthur has a much simpler method complete with pics that has literally revolutionized the way I feel about the dreaded checkerboards! It’s so much easier that I am making MORE batches of them!
In approximately 2 weeks I will have almost 50 out of town guests arriving to help John and I celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Because I try to be a good hostess, I want everyone to feel welcome and I want to spend as much time as possible with everyone. But what do I do with/for them when we can’t be together? Yes, I know Vegas is easy enough to find things to do on your own without a tour guide, but what SHOULD every visitor see/do if they only have a few days or maybe have never been here before? Does anyone know how interesting our “Old Vegas” downtown (which is really uptown) has become? Well, I’ve got it covered…I hope.
Google Maps is for more than looking at your house (or a friend’s) from the sky! You can make your OWN map of the things to see and do in any area. So that’s what I did! Because most of my guests are staying in the downtown area, I created a little map to point out what they should see and do while in the downtown area. Here is a partial list of things on the Strip they should check out:
• See the Fountains at the Bellagio – dancing waters to LOUD music – it’s free
• The Conservatory at the Bellagio always has a gorgeous seasonal display – free
• Check out the HUGE chandelier at the Cosmopolitan and have a cocktail at one of the bars surrounding and within it
• Yes, the volcano at the Mirage still operates! Free
• Wander the casinos and malls and check out the decorations – they are really stunning!
• Play the slots!
• See a Cirque du Soleil show – we only have about a half dozen to choose from
• Go Ice Skating at the Marquee Pool at the Cosmopolitan or the fake ice rink at the Venetian
• Madame Toussaud’s Wax Museum at the Venetian – kinda corny, but fun
• Ride the roller coaster at New York, New York
• Ride the Big Shot at the Stratosphere
• There is plenty of shopping
• If you MUST eat at a buffet go to The Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan
• Have Happy Hour Oysters at PJ Clarke’s at The Forum Shops
• And for goodness sake – eat something you have never tried before! Some of the best dining in the country is at your feet!
I am really looking forward to this particular Holiday Season. This will be the first time in 25 years that I am surrounded by most of my friends and family. If you are coming to visit, YIPPEE! If you couldn’t make that happen, you will be missed.
Food Memories this week include the first of the Holiday Parties at my home and Friends Sam & Jim’s home, fast food on the run (don’t judge) and working with Three Square on their FaVE program to teach kids about Fruits and Veggies (I learned about Passion Fruit this week!).
NO time for pics this week…Yeah, I know…I’m a slacker!
Until next week, go out and make your OWN Food Memories!
