Feminine Geniuses

When the Feminine Geniuses get together, there is always fun, food and lively discussion. Such was the case this morning over coffee at my home. It had been a long time since we had gotten together, almost the entire summer. We were well overdue for a little fellowship. So, I laid out the master plan to have the coffee here and to make a wonderful array of offerings.

We all know what happens to the best laid plans, right? It never happens the way you hope. I had one child come down with a rabid sinus infection that has left her exhausted and feeling weak and cranky -- and, home from school, but thankfully not contagious. So, outside of needing to rearrange life for doctor's appointments and pharmacy visits, I found myself only slightly behind in preparation for the get together.

I was able to get the house tidied, and do the necessary shopping for the treats I had in mind. But, priorities being what they are, I didn't have time last night to do the prep work for the savory chorizo frittata that I hoped to bring to the table today. That will have to wait for the next coffee.

To add an additional challenge to the idea of having friends over for coffee, I decided to start Weight Watchers again this past Monday. So, I tried to make something that wouldn't be too outrageous to my points plan and still taste amazing! The Apple Puff I made came out to be only 4 points per serving! YIPEE!

Here's the recipe:

Apple Puff

1 pkg of puff pastry, thawed

8 granny smith apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch bite sized pieces

1/4 cup flour

1 tbsp smart balance buttery spread, cut up into pieces

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

2 mandarine oranges -- zest and juice only

pinch salt

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup Craisins

1/8 cup pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees; in a large bowl, mix apples and next 10 ingredients; while apple mixture rests, roll out one puff pastry onto a greased baking sheet to approx 9 x12 in., place apple filling in a large mound on the center of the puff pastry; on a large, ligthly floured cutting board, roll out second sheet of puff pastry to approx. the same size as the first; place on top of the filling and fold over the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork around the perimeter; cut two to three vent holes in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape; bake at 400 for 10 min., then lower the oven temp to 375 for the remaining 30 min.; remove from oven when golden brown and allow to cool for about 10 min.

Wow, was this a big hit! And, somehow a wonderful apple puff, joined with the baked goodies that the other ladies brought, set the stage for not only a satisfying visit, but lively conversation, as well. Politics, religion, you name it, everything is fair game at an FG coffee. We're downright fearless in thwarting the rule of avoiding taboo topics at a friendly gathering! And, interesting doesn't even begin to describe the conversation that ensued.

I had a wonderful time and just can't wait for the next one!