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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Writing Prompt: From Boring To Fascinating

By Marilyn Friedman


It's almost summer, and it's time to soak your tootsies in the pool and get those writing projects going. We have lots of amazing classes to help you--call 323-333-2954 to sign up before they are full!

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Writing Prompt: Make a list of 5 boring or tedious things you do on a daily basis. Pick one and write for ten minutes about this activity so that it seems incredibly interesting. Then post your write in the comments of this blog!

Comment on this blog! What do you do every day that is tedious or boring? Write about it like it is the most fascinating thing in the world, and you could win a free class!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Adel's Memorial Day Recipe - Red Wine BBQ Sauce

by Adel Aschenbrener and Amy Robinson

Fire up your creativity! Join the party at a Writing Pad class this Summer. Call 323-333-2954 to RSVP before they are full!

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Adel says:
"I never thought that the phrase "leftover red wine" would enter my lexicon, but since the weather has turned warmer, I find myself not wanting to finish that last glass of big, hearty cab or zinfandel, leaving me with lots of sad, unloved partial bottles. This barbecue sauce is the perfect way to make sure nothing goes to waste and it goes with nearly everything you might be grilling up in the upcoming summer months - chicken, ribs, steaks, burgers, and even hot dogs."

Red Wine Barbecue Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
1/3 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Heat the olive oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, cumin, and ancho chile powder and cook 1 minute. Add the wine, bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer longer if necessary to reduce and thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will keep for about a week, refrigerated.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Adel's May Recipe: Roasted Rhubarb

by Adel Aschenbrener and Amy Robinson

Looking for a warm weather treat? Take a class at Writing Pad this May. Call 323-333-2954 to RSVP before they are full!

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Multi Week ClassesAdel says:
"Although most people think of it as a fruit, rhubarb is really the unsung hero of the vegetable world. Right around this time of year you can see it popping up here and there in local farmer's markets and grocery stores. Typically paired with strawberries or raspberries, the crimson, celery-like stalks are surprisingly versatile and often found baked into pies, cakes and cobblers. This recipe is for a multifaceted compote to eat over pound cake, ice cream, yogurt, or even alongside roasts or seared foie gras. Or try it my new favorite way - pureed and frozen into a tangy popsicle."

Roasted Rhubarb

2 lb. rhubarb, trimmed of all leafy bits (they are poisonous!) and cut into 2-inch lengths
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
½ cup red or white wine
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

optional:
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ginger
1 cup strawberries, quartered plus 2 T. granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all ingredients. Place in a deep baking dish or Dutch oven and bake until rhubarb is tender, approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Writing Prompt: Mother's Day Prompt

By Marilyn Friedman

It's hot outside, so let your muse cool off at Writing Pad's ultra-comfortable, hip loft with one of our fantastic classes! We have a lot going on for the month of May. Call 323-333-2954 to sign up before these classes are full.

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One Day Classes
Multi Week ClassesWriting Prompt: Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, so let's write about our Moms. Make a list of 5 things that are in your mother's purse. Make a list of 5 funny stories that you remember about your Mom. Write for 10 minutes either about what is in your mother's purse or a funny story about your Mom. Use the contents of the purse to help us get to know the character that is your Mom. Now post your ten minute write in the comments of this blog for the chance to win a free class!

Comment on this blog. Tell us a funny story about your Mom or tell us about the contents of her purse. You could win a free class!