Mark and
I miss Susie every day. Actually, any-and-everyone who knew her misses her.
Susie was
our Auntie Mame. Our partner in giggling. A truly dear friend, and the epitome
of elegance.
Red was
her color: red lipstick, red nail polish, red (Ferragamo) shoes, red handbags,
red-on-white toile de jouy upholstery. Red, but never garish, tempered by
black, white and a touch of gold – Susie had impeccable taste.
White was
her color for wine. She loved nothing more than sitting in her study, gabbing
over a glass of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio before dinner.
After
cocktails, we’d head out to dinner, tell stories, and laugh the night away.
Often we’d ask her to retell our favorites of her tales, because we knew
someday she wouldn’t be here to recount them: interviewing Gregory Peck for her
radio show; entertaining the young, then unknown, Ronald Reagan and Rhonda
Fleming for a pool party when they were filming in Tucson; the opening night of
South Pacific in New York; seeing Leo Slezeack miss his swan boat in Wagner’s Lohengrin…
On
occasion, we’d go to a restaurant where there was a piano bar. She would send
one of us over to tip the pianist… and, of course, request some of her
favorite songs.
Cole
Porter. Jerome Kern. Rodgers and Hammerstein. “And that song from Phantom,
darling. You know the one.”
She’d sit
there, in her favorite corner booth, all cozy and “intimes,” singing
along with the piano with the biggest smile on her face. She found such joy in
those songs, songs that brought back wonderful memories spanning her almost 90
years.
Susie and
food. She absolutely abhorred large portions; nothing turned her off more than
an overflowing restaurant plate. She’d often ask a server to bring her just a
half portion, explaining she would gladly pay for the full one.
She
really loved a good steak – always cooked medium rare – but wanted it served
with only five French fries. Once, the chef at her club sent out six fries and
she sent back word (with a giggle and a wink) that she was not pleased.
Her
favorite dessert was peppermint stick ice cream with chocolate sauce, and
ordered it almost every time we dined out.
A couple
of years ago, for what turned out be our last Valentine’s Day shared with her,
I made her favorite meal – rack of lamb. For dessert, I combined her favorite
flavors – peppermint and chocolate – in these little peppermint love bites.
She also
had a favorite saying – a motto or an attitude, really – by which she lived. It
was a great way to look at life… “Ah, the hell with it…”
 |
| We all turned out in red to celebrate Susie – she wore black and white! |
Missing
you this Valentine’s Day… missing our lady in red.
~ David
Chocolate
Peppermint Hearts
made for
Susie, 14 February 2012
1 1/2
cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup
plus 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2
teaspoon sea salt
12
tablespoons cold unsalted butter, in 24 pieces
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
1
teaspoon peppermint extract
4
teaspoons plus 2/3 cup heavy cream
12 ounces
bittersweet chocolate chips, at least 62 percent
2
tablespoons chocolate liqueur
1 candy
cane or several peppermint swirl candies, crushed, for topping
In a food
processor, pulse together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, cocoa powder and sea salt.
Pulse in the butter and vanilla until the mixture just comes together into a
smooth mass. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or wax paper.
Press the dough into the pan. Prick all over with a fork. Chill for at least 20
minutes and up to 3 days.
Heat the
oven to 325°F.
Bake the shortbread until firm to the touch and just beginning to pull away
from the sides, about 35 minutes.
Cool in
the pan for 20 minutes on a wire rack. Mix remaining 1/2 cup confectioners
sugar, extract and 4 teaspoons cream – spread evenly over shortbread’s surface and let cool
thoroughly.
Place
chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, bring the remaining 2/3 cup cream to a
simmer. Pour over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the chocolate
liqueur. Spread over shortbread. Sprinkle candy cane pieces on top. Cool to
room temperature; cover and chill until firm. Using a heart-shaped cookie
cutter, cut the love bites out and place on a platter or individual serving
plates. (Any leftover scraps should be eaten right away, and have no calories…) You can also cut them into
small squares.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 14, 2015 at 2:20 pmHello everyone – it is rare that I make the first comment but, in posting, I thought I would share that I might consider doubling the peppermint cream layer the next time.
Jill
February 14, 2015 at 4:17 pmWhat a wonderful story and how I loved hearing you stories about your times with Susie. After an evening with her, you always come into the office with a big smile. Thanks for sharing.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 12:02 amThanks, Jill – it is so hard to believe it is almost 3 years she has been gone… She really brought great light into our lives.
Magda
February 14, 2015 at 4:42 pmLove this post about your friend David. And lovely dessert.
Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mark 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 12:02 amThanks, Magda – to you and S., too! Hope you are doing something special! (Or did something special, as you won't see this till the 15th!)
Lizzy (Good Things)
February 14, 2015 at 8:50 pmVale Susie… and thank you Mark for a wonderful post!
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 12:03 amThanks, Liz – I hope you and Peter had a nice celebration!
Kathy
February 15, 2015 at 1:06 amI loved reading this post David! Your friend Susie sounds like she was a fabulously elegant lady!
I also love your lovely dessert…perfect for Valentines Day! Have a Happy!
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:28 pmThanks, Kathy – she was! And still is in our hearts!
Anonymous
February 15, 2015 at 2:59 amWhat a lovely tribute, David! Thank you for sharing these stories about such a wonderful woman.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:29 pmYou are so welcome, Cora! You would have loved her, and she your. She loved people who shared their talents with the world.
dedy oktavianus
February 15, 2015 at 5:48 amSimply damn delicious sweet bites!!!
Dedy@Dentist Chef
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:30 pmThanks, Dedy! When are we going to see a dessert on your blog?
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness
February 15, 2015 at 2:55 pmDear David, your friend Susie sounds like she was an absolutely delightful person – what a heart-warming and touching post you wrote – I certainly enjoyed reading your tribute to her!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend – you would have loved coming along with us on our day-trip to chocolate heaven yesterday.
Liebe Grüsse,
Andrea
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:31 pmI am about to go read about your chocolate day. I think I will be jealous, Adnrea! Liebe Grüße, d
Unknown
February 15, 2015 at 4:07 pmLoved reading your tribute to your friend! People like Susie never go away really, they leave such an impression on everyone they meet.
When I was in secondary school (middle school) my headmistress was a lady similar to Susie. I loved her, so much energy, sophistication and so alive. I'm sure shes no longer around but I think of her quite often because she made such an impression on me at a young age.
These peppermint hearts are a perfect tribute.
Oh, and I love that photo! You all look great in red 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:33 pmIt is womderful to have people like this in our lives, Nazneen. I am glad I put that photo in – it really makes me smile!
Sippity Sup
February 15, 2015 at 8:46 pmI don't think it's rude to say it, so I will. "What a dame!" GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:35 pmYes, Greg, she was!
john | heneedsfood
February 15, 2015 at 8:54 pmWhat a gorgeous tribute, David. You must have smiled and shed a tear when you made these peppermint hearts.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:39 pmI did, John. She was a very special friend. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Valentina
February 15, 2015 at 11:35 pmAuntie Mame looks stunning. And what a delicious tribute to someone so lovely for Valentine's Day. (Forget the spices, my mortar and pestle will forever be for candy now.)
Cocoa & Lavender
February 15, 2015 at 11:40 pmThanks, Valentina! There is something very fun about crushing candy with a pestle. 🙂
Unknown
February 16, 2015 at 2:58 amWhat an absolutely lovely tale! And such a nice remembrance. There's a recipe for peppermint ice cream with fudge sauce in "Baked Occasions." It's one we tested in secrecy – and so delicious!
I hope you 2 had a lovely Valentine's Day!
xoxoxo
Cocoa & Lavender
February 16, 2015 at 3:20 pmI will have to check out "Baked Occasions" – sounds wonderful. It was a great Valentine's Day here – did John mind sharing you with the Doristas?
Nicole (RieglPalate.com)
February 16, 2015 at 3:51 pmWhat a wonderful story – makes me wish I had known Susie. Your treats look delightful – chocolate and peppermint are one of my dad's favorite combinations – saving this to make for him. Thanks for sharing!
Cocoa & Lavender
February 16, 2015 at 4:23 pmThanks, Nicole – I hope your father likes them!
Cheri Savory Spoon
February 16, 2015 at 6:13 pmHi David, what a beautiful story and post about your wonderful friend, she sounds like one classy lady. Chocolate and peppermint are such great flavors together, like a match made in heaven.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 16, 2015 at 9:44 pmCheri – it's funny how many people love mint and chocolate together ! Thanks for your nice comments about Susie!
Cathleen | My Culinary Mission
February 17, 2015 at 3:02 amI adored this post. What a wonderful tribute to Susie, David. She sounds like she would be a lot of fun to be with. Susie may have worn black and white, but she is sporting that bright red lipstick!
I'm sure she would have loved these chocolate peppermint hearts; how could she not? Especially being made by you.
Cocoa & Lavender
February 17, 2015 at 4:12 amThank you so much for pointing out Susie's red lipstick! That is perfect. Cathleen! She was so much fun – I loved to cook for her – she always thought it was like magic!
Provence WineZine
February 24, 2015 at 7:32 pmHeart-warming story. I can hear the piano and lively conversation…and wish I had a couple of chocolate peppermint hearts! How lucky you were to know her (although I imagine the feeling was mutual!). xo
Cocoa & Lavender
February 24, 2015 at 10:19 pmI have to say, Susan, I do think we felt much the same about one another!
Laurasmess
March 3, 2015 at 3:25 pmThis is such a beautiful tribute to Susie… Both in words and a delicious recipe. She sounds like such a strong, vivacious and colourful personality. I can understand why her absence would be so obvious on days like Valentines. I am sure she would have adored these peppermint hearts xo
Cocoa & Lavender
March 4, 2015 at 2:43 pmThanks, Laura. It seems like just yesterday we were together… how time does pass quickly!
Nuts about food
March 4, 2015 at 12:04 pmThat made me teary of course… and what a lovely way to celebrate the life of such a dear friend. I almost feel like I met her now…
Cocoa & Lavender
March 4, 2015 at 2:44 pmThat is so sweet, Fiona. I, too, get quite teary when I think of her.
Christina | Christina's Cucina
March 21, 2015 at 3:49 pmWhat a lovely post! Since my trip to Jamaica, I've fallen behind in everything, including reading your posts, so I'm just catching up.
Your friend Susie, sounds very similar to my old friend, Maisie who has also left us, so I can totally relate to your story. What a joy to be able to have friends such as these ladies, who held a treasure trove of spectacular stories from the past. David, I think you need a cookbook of your own!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 23, 2015 at 2:04 pmWouldn't it have been fun to get Maisie and Susie (whose best friend was Bazy!) together? I miss them both a lot.
Thanks for all the wonderful "catch up" chats! And thanks fro thinking I should have a cookbook. Maybe someday…