Ginger Snap Cookies (Aunt Lu)

This recipe came from my mom's recipe box. She writes, "makes alot - keeps well, but has a tendency to vanish."

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 2 tsp ginger
• 4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup (I use butter)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses (blackstrap molasse will be too strong and bitter or dilute with golden syrup. Try fancy molasses or unsulphured molasses)

Directions

Cream shortening and sugar.

Add eggs, molasses and dry ingredients.

If you have time, chill the dough before baking.  This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much)

Form tsp of dough in a ball (Consider using a small cookie dough scoop. This would be 2 tsp. so a bigger cookie)

Roll in sugar (I usually form 5 - 6 dough balls at one time)

Place on lightly greased cookie sheet or use parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degree F for 8 - 10 minutes. 

Cookies spread and crack as they bake.

DO NOT OVERBAKE

Optional: you might consider dipping half the cookie in melted white chocolate. Then decorate with cryallized ginger. Here is another recipe for the dipping mixture. NOTE: I haven't tried this but it looks pretty cool.

• In a small bowl, melt 1 cup of vanilla melting wavers in the microwave in 30 second increments stirring in between until completely melted.
• Dip 1/4 of the cookie, and place on a wire rack. Decorate with sprinkles immediatley and allow to set and harden.

Tuna Steak

 I have been looking for a simple and delicious tuna steak recipe.  I think I have found one. This recipe is from Gordon Ramsey

Gordon Ramsay Tuna Steak

Ingredients

• 2 fresh tuna steaks (6-8 oz each, about 1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Season the Tuna:

1. Pat the tuna dry – Removes excess moisture for a better sear.
2. Rub with olive oil – Coats the fish for even cooking.
3. Season both sides – Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Sear the Tuna Steak:

4. Heat a pan over high heat – Use a cast iron skillet or heavy pan for best results.
5. Add olive oil and garlic – Let the garlic infuse the oil for 30 seconds.
6. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side – For a rare center, cook for 90 seconds per side; for medium-rare, cook for 2 minutes per side

Make the Citrus Sauce:

7. Deglaze the pan with soy sauce and lemon juice – Stir in Dijon mustard for extra depth.
8. Baste the tuna with the sauce – Adding extra flavor and moisture.

Rest and Serve:

9. Let the tuna rest for 1-2 minutes – Lock in juices.
10. Slice and garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.