F&M at the Union

Last April, the regional alumni board of my alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College, co-hosted an event at the Philadelphia Union with the CTC Ten Foundation. CTC Ten was founded in memory of a soccer player at F&M who passed away suddenly. The organization works to promote the education and development of disadvantaged youth in South Africa through sport.





We had an amazing turn out for the game, and were thrilled to be able to host such a successful event for the benefit of a wonderful foundation. To add to the excitement of the day, the Union bested the Columbus Crew that day 1-0. It was my first Union game, and I have to say that the energy that fills the stadium is certainly thrilling. I hope to head back to another game this season!

Treacle Tart

As part of the Harry Potter Movie Marathon weekend, I tried to make appropriate menu choices. In my quest to do so, I stumbled upon The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz, which contains over 150 wizard-themed recipes. I couldn't possibly pass up the opportunity to own such a magical collection.

Likewise, I couldn't possibly pass up the opportunity to make Harry Potter's favorite dessert. It's made with treacle, which I could only find online despite searching stores throughout Philadelphia. Treacle, for those unfamiliar with it on my side of the pond, is a nearly sickeningly sweet syrup made from refined sugar. I was a little concerned that this dessert would turn out unbearably sweet, but the added lemon adds a tartness that made the dessert quite delicious! I would recommend making it if you ever happen to stumble across a tin of golden syrup. Below is the recipe as adopted from Bucholz's Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. Enjoy!

Tart Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 cold large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup cold heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Directions:

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor to combine.

Add the butter and pulse to combine until a pebbly powder forms. Transfer to a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, cream, and vanilla until combined and then add to the large bowl. Fold the batter to combine. If the dough is too dry, add heavy cream.

Flatten the dough into two disks, wrap separately in plastic, and chill for at least two hours.


Filling

Ingredients:

• 1 cup golden syrup (warmed slightly in a saucepan to loosen) 
• 2 1/4 cups fresh bread crumbs
• Zest & juice of 1 lemon
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°.

Roll out one of the disks of dough into an 11-inch circle, and place it into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing the dough into the fluted edges, and trimming off any excess. Roll out the second disk to a thickness of about 1/8-inch. Cut this disk of dough into long strips.

Combine the golden syrup, bread crumbs, and lemon zest & juice in a separate bowl. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Arrange the strips of dough as a lattice over the filling, trimming any overhang. Gently brush the beaten egg over the lattice.

Bake for 10 minutes at 400°, then reduce the oven to 375° and bake for another 25 minutes until the crust is a golden brown.

Let the tart cool a bit, but serve while still warm. Any leftover tart is also delicious cold from the refrigerator!

Philadelphia Zoo

Last May, Jake and I were accompanied by our friend Laura on a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo with Jake's niece. After a trip on the Philly Phlash trolley, we arrived on a cool, but beautiful day.

While a smaller one to many, America's first zoo is really a fun place to visit! We had a great time with Jake's niece (and were especially thankful that Laura could accompany her to the little girls' room when necessary!)

TEAM MEAT!

It finally happened...

Last night, my trivia team won quizzo at The Pop Shop in Collingswood, NJ. I've only been able to go a handful of times to join them, but after over a year of attempting to win, we bested the other teams ( and by quite a significant margin)!

Congrats to my fellow team members! I look forward to turning this into a long-lived winning streak!!!

ThreeSixtyFive - Week 2